Online garment design and collaboration system and method

ABSTRACT

A server system and method is for facilitating garment creation. A processor and storage device are configured to receive and store designed digital garment or garment parts for selection, approval and/or inclusion into a digital garment. A designer interface is accessible over a network and is configured to view, approve, select and place two or more of the digital garment parts together to form a digital garment to store in the storage device. An online purchase system is configured to access the storage device to select and purchase the digital garment from a plurality of available digital garments.

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

This application is a is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/016,351, entitled “Online Garment Design And Collaboration System And Method”, filed Jun. 22, 2018, which claims the benefit of Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/523,754, entitled “Online Garment Design and Collaboration System and Method”, filed Jun. 22, 2017, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/853,167, entitled “System And Method For Body Scanning And Avatar Creation”, filed Apr. 20, 2020, which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/159,401, filed Jun. 27, 2011, entitled “System And Method For Body Scanning And Avatar Creation”, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,628,729, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/008,906 filed Jan. 19, 2011 entitled “System And Method For 3d Virtual Try-On Of Apparel On An Avatar,” which is a non-provisional of Application Ser. No. 61/352,390, entitled “System And Method For 3D Virtual Try-On Of Apparel On An Avatar”, filed Jun. 8, 2010, each of which are incorporated by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an online garment design and virtual try-on system and method. More specifically, the invention relates to a system and method implemented on a server that includes at least one or more digital garment parts that are capable of being combined to design a garment, that can be fitted, and/or sold in virtual a fitting room that uses a scanning system and method using a range camera that produces an avatar and provides for draping and display of the digital garments using augmented reality on the avatar.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is typical in the fashion design industry to produce a sample garment from a design sketch almost entirely by hand. To produce a sample garment, a complete garment pattern is created from a design sketch, and then pattern pieces representing the individual parts comprising the garment are cut from paper, cardboard or plastic. Once the pattern pieces are cut, they are arranged on the fabric or other sheet material from which the garment is to be made and are used as templates for cutting the corresponding garment parts from the sheet material. The garment parts are then sewn or otherwise assembled to form the sample garment.

This is both a time consuming and expensive procedure, since it takes even highly skilled workers a considerable amount of time to create an overall garment pattern from the design sketch, cut the pattern pieces for the individual garment parts comprising the garment, arrange the pieces properly on the sheet material and then accurately cut the individual garment parts from the material. The skill level required to arrange the cut pattern pieces is higher still where the garment is cut from plaid, stripped, checked or other patterned sheet material, since the pattern pieces must be accurately positioned on the material to insure that the pattern in the material properly matches after the garment parts cut from the material are assembled.

Once the sample garment is cut and assembled, it is critically reviewed by the designer to determine if the garment accurately reflects the underlying design. Usually, modifications to the overall shape of the sample garment or to particular garment parts are required before the designer is satisfied that the garment accurately embodies what was intended in the design sketch. In addition, the designer may want to see sample garments made from several different materials or from materials having different patterns. Further, the designer may wish to try different sleeve lengths, top-bottom configurations, or the like. Accordingly, it is often the case that many different sample garments must be cut and assembled before a particular fashion design is finalized.

Sampling is very important for garments manufacturing process in the textile industry. The process of sampling varies from context to context, and the development process covers a wide range of diverse products from new fibers, fiber blends, new yarns, fabric structures, finishes and surface effects and all types of made up products such as knitwear, hosiery, cut and sewn garments, household products, technical and medical products. There are different phases of sampling; the first phase covers the development of the initial concept or design idea through its approval by the customer and full review/risk analysis by the development and production teams. The second phase covers the process following acceptance of the first prototype sample and includes the functions of sourcing and ordering component, testing the product and carry out trails once the finalized sample specifications has been drawn up, the third and final phase commences. The phase includes a range of activities that are carried out before large scale or bulk production capacity outside the home producer/developers wherever this is applicable.

Development or Enquiry Samples

Vendors (designers or design companies) work with some buyers continuously. They have to keep on sending samples to buyers very often. Whenever they have enquiries, a buyer may need samples. Buyers may like to see the garments in a new fabric. For one enquiry, they may need samples in different fabrics to choose from. If they want to develop new style in new fabric, then also we will have to send these samples.

Vendors may have to expend a lot of time and resources on these samples. But these samples are inevitably important to develop business. Sometimes, even the buyer is not so confident of some enquiries. If a vendor's samples are attractive at reasonable prices, they will receive orders from buyers.

Also vendors will have to send samples to the newly contacted buyers to show their workmanship, product range, quality standards and price level.

Salesmen Samples or Promotional Samples

Some buyers need these samples for getting the orders from their customers. If the buyer has 7 salesmen in his office, then the buyer will ask the vendor to make 7 samples in each style. The salesmen will book the orders from their customers by showing these samples.

If a vendor sends samples for 5 styles, sometimes, the vendor may get orders for all 5 styles, 3 styles or 1 style. Sometimes, a vendor may not get an order for even a single style. Expected sales may not occur due to poor quality, unsuitable colors, improper measurements, unmatched prints or embroidery, etc., of salesmen samples. Or it may be due to a local business recession, competition or unsuitable prices. Anyway, a vendor has to make these salesmen samples perfectly with sincere interest to get orders.

Photo or Fit Samples

Photo or fit samples are to be made after getting the order sheets. These samples are needed to check the measurements, style and fit. Some buyers may need these samples if they want to print the photos of garments on photo inlays, packing boxes, hang tags, etc. These samples may be needed for local advertisement or a buyer's promotional occasions.

In any cases, the samples will be worn by the highly paid models. The buyers will arrange expensive photo shoot sessions with advertising agencies. Thus, the buyers will need these samples in a timely manner. Delays may be expensive for the buyers.

Counter Samples or Reference Samples or Approval Samples

These samples are made in the actual fabrics with actual trims. If the order is for 3 colors, the buyer may need samples in any one color and swatches (fabric bits) in other colors. These samples should be strictly as per the specifications in the order sheets. The vendor has to get the approval for these samples from the buyer before starting production.

After getting the approval, the approved samples should be followed in production. Sometimes, the buyer may comment on fabric, measurements, making, etc. The vendor has to follow these comments carefully in production.

The order sheets may be subject to the approval of counter samples. Thus, these samples are very important.

Wash Test Samples

Wash test samples are sent before starting production and if vendors get some remarks or comments on these samples, they can correct them in production. But some buyers will need vendors to send these samples from production before shipment. In this case, these samples may be considered as ‘shipment samples’.

Pre-Production Samples

These samples are almost like approval samples. They have to be made in actual production fabric with actual bulk trims. They will represent the actual garments.

Production Samples

Production samples are to be sent before shipment to get the buyer's confirmation for shipment. Hence these samples need to be perfect in all manners. Buyers may check these samples for everything or anything.

Shipment Samples

Shipment samples are to be sent after shipment. They are usually sent in actual packing with all labels, tags, etc.

The above described process can be expensive, time consuming, and may suffer from a lack of, or incomplete, communications. Thus, a system and method for online garment design and collaboration is needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accord with a preferred embodiment, a server system for facilitating garment creation, comprises: a processor and storage device configured to receive and store designed digital garment parts for selection and inclusion into a digital garment; a designer interface accessible over a network configured to select and place two or more of the digital garment parts together to form a digital garment to store in the storage device; and an online purchase system configured to access the storage device to select and purchase the digital garment from a plurality of available digital garments. The server system may include at least one or more of the digital garment parts are capable of being designed using the designer interface. The server system may be capable of receiving at least one or more of the digital garment parts by upload from a third-party design system. The server system may further include an interface for providing approval for the digital garment for manufacture or sale. The online purchase system may further be configured to provide designers with the ability to purchase the digital garment parts to include in the digital garment. The online purchase system may comprise a pay-per-part system or a subscription system.

In accord with another preferred embodiment, a method for facilitating garment creation comprises: receiving and storing designed digital garment parts for selection and inclusion into a digital garment; selecting and placing two or more of the digital garment parts together to form a digital garment to store in the storage device; and providing an online purchase system configured to access the storage device to select and purchase the digital garment from a plurality of available digital garments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram that illustrates components of one embodiment of a system for providing online virtual try-on apparel on an avatar;

FIG. 2 is a diagram that illustrates further detail of the consumer system and a retail system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram that illustrates further detail of the virtual try-on system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram that illustrates further detail of the 3D virtual apparel system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagram that illustrates further detail of the body scanner system used with the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram that illustrates a general view of high level method steps performed by one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a sample screenshot of a digital pattern for a garment according to one embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating steps performed in creating a 3D virtual garment or e-garment according to one embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary 3D piece placement and matching of segments of a virtual garment or e-garment according to one embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a screenshot from the virtual sewing and draping process for a virtual garment or e-garment according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11 is an example of a rendering of a drape of a virtual garment or e-garment according to one embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps for creating a base avatar according to one embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic right perspective view of a stereophotogrammetry body scan booth and a scan booth computing device containing body scanning software according to one embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating steps performed for scanning consumer body or fit model body using the stereophotogrammetry method of body scanning, as well as steps for converting the output of such body scanning method into a 3D mesh according to one embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram illustrating further steps performed by an avatar software application according to one embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating steps for creating an avatar according to one embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a flow diagram illustrating steps for creating an avatar according to one embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps for creating an avatar according to one embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for modelling the face of consumer body or fit model body according to one embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a flow chart that describes events that occur when a user decides to try on a virtual garment or e-garment according to one embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of what a simulation and animation may look like on computer device in the context of a virtual fitting room according to one embodiment;

FIG. 22 is an example web page produced by a system according to one embodiment that illustrates how stretch values may be visually displayed using a color tension map;

FIG. 23 is another web page produced by a system according to one embodiment that illustrates how another form of a visual representation of consumer drape may show the 3D virtual garment or e-garment as partially transparent;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart that describes a process of analyzing fit data according to one embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a flow diagram that illustrates steps to relate fit data and how retailers may interpret such relations according to one embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating components of a prior art range camera device that could be used in one embodiment; and

FIG. 27 is a flow diagram illustrating steps that may be performed using a range camera of FIG. 26 in one embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a network diagram that illustrates the flow of data between designers, vendors, buyers, and manufactures for facilitating design and exchange of samples, comments, and acceptance according to one embodiment;

FIG. 29 is a diagrammatic representation of a cloud storage system having a database of available garment parts, textures, patterns, and colors that are available for designing, assembling, and creating garments;

FIG. 30 is a flow diagram that illustrates steps performed on a processor for creating a virtual garment or e-garment from virtual parts in the system;

FIG. 31 is a flow diagram that illustrates the steps performed by the system for allowing a designer to create a design from garment parts;

FIG. 32 is a sample screen presented by the development software for creating a garment;

FIG. 33 is a sample screen presented by the development software for adding patterns to the garment;

FIG. 34 is a sample screen presented by the development software for scaling patterns for the garment;

FIG. 35 is a screen shot of available garments in an alternative embodiment of the fitting room;

FIG. 36 is a screen shot of a product detail screen according to the embodiment of the fitting room of FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a screen shot of a three-product illustration screen according to the embodiment of the fitting room of FIG. 35;

FIG. 38 is a screen shot of a selected garment illustration screen according to the embodiment of the fitting room of FIG. 35;

FIG. 39 is a screen shot of a garment fitting screen according to the embodiment of the fitting room of FIG. 35;

FIG. 40 is a screen shot of the garment fitting screen of FIG. 39 with the garment placed on a user's avatar;

FIG. 41 is the screen of FIG. 40 with the body rotated showing the fit of the garment on the avatar form a different angle; and

FIG. 42 is the screen of FIG. 41 with the body further rotated showing the fit of the garment on the avatar form a different angle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the accompanying drawings several embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown therein and described below.

The system for an online garment design system and method is disclosed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-34 wherein like reference numerals are used throughout to designate like elements.

FIG. 1 is a diagram that illustrates components of one embodiment of a system 10 for providing online virtual try-on apparel on an avatar. FIG. 2 is a diagram that illustrates further detail of the consumer system and a retail system of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram that illustrates further detail of the virtual try-on system of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram that illustrates further detail of the 3D virtual apparel system of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram that illustrates further detail of the body scanner system used with the system of FIG. 1.

A three dimensional (3D) virtual apparel processing system 112 gathers all or any combination of the following data available from retailer 50: (1) paper pattern 51, (2) grading rules 53, (3) technical pack 54, (4) digital pattern 57, (5) fit model's scan data or measurements 58, (6) production sample garment, or (7) fabric swatches, where data displayed in FIG. 1 in physical garment storage 55 or digital garment data storage 52. Moreover, data from stereophotogrammetry system 150 is sent to system 112. System 112 then processes all gathered data and may make output data available to all other systems. In one embodiment, application service provider (ASP) 100 may receive data from consumer system 20 and stereophotogrammetry system 150. In one embodiment the ASP 100 and consumer system 20 may be connected through a wide area network 1500, wherein each have network connections 1502 to facilitate such connection. Retailer system 50 may also be similarly connected to network 1500. For example, the wide area network 1500 may comprise the internet, and the network connections 1502 may comprise network routers, cards, etc. commonly used to connect to the internet. In one embodiment, it may be advantageous to provide a high speed, or wideband, network connection 1502, such as a fibre optic, T1, T2, or other commonly used wideband typology. ASP 100, which may utilize off the shelf server software and network technology, then processes all the data and provides services for system 10. The term garment and apparel may be used interchangeably herein, both in the plural and the singular.

With reference to FIG. 6, a flow diagram illustrates a general view of high level method steps performed by one embodiment. Step 300 refers to the data gathering and processing that occurs in 3D virtual apparel processing system 112. Product development information received from retailer system 50 may include data from stereophotogrammetry system 150. In another embodiment, system 112 and stereophotogrammetry system 150 may be a part of retailer system 50. In yet another embodiment, system 112 may be a part of ASP 100, but stereophotogrammetry system 150 may be part of a third party network and vice versa. Furthermore, system 112 and stereophotogrammetry system 150 may not be a part of ASP 100 or system 50, but rather a third party system. In one embodiment, 3D virtual apparel processing system 112 comprises one or more apparel product development workstations 116 with apparel product development software 114, and external hardware devices such as digitizer 118, fabric scanner 120, fabric testing equipment 122, and the like. Retailer System 50 can represent either a retailer, or several companies within the apparel retail and manufacturing supply chain. Moreover, retailer System 50 may contain any portion, combination of sub-systems, or entire systems of system 112, 150, and 100. For example, retailer system 50 may have fabric scanner 120 located therein. Stereophotogrammetry system 150 may be used to scan fit model physical body 151, which refers to a physical fit model commonly used apparel product development. The scan data is used to create fit model avatar object 173 using avatar processing system 160. Alternatively, the retailer may only provide measurements of the fit model 151, in which case, those measurements are used in fit model avatar processing system 160 to create fit model avatar object 173. The process of creating fit model avatar object 173 may be similar to the process of creating consumer avatar object 171 described below. The stereophotogrammetry system 150 may be located either independently at a third party location, at retailer system 50, with ASP 100. Further information provided by a retailer may include digital pattern 57, paper pattern 51, fabric and print swatches 56, grading rules 53, fit-model scan data and/or body measurements 58, and production sample garment 59. With reference to FIG. 7, a sample screenshot of a digital pattern 57 is shown.

In another embodiment, some retailers 50 may not have access to some of the information described above. For example, the retailer may not have any information on the pattern other than the technical pack 54, in which case a production sample garment 59 and technical pack 54 will be used by the 3D virtual apparel processing system 112. In another example, the retailer 50 may not provide a technical pack 54, in which case the production sample garment 59 is used for processing as described below.

In any case, whether a pattern, and/or technical pack 54 is received electronically from the producer's digital garment data storage 52, or the less sophisticated garment information 60 is received, the information is processed into 3D virtual apparel processing system 112, and stored in a first data storage 110. In one embodiment, if the digital pattern 57 is received, it is imported into apparel product development software 114, and, if necessary, converted into the proper format. In another embodiment, if the patterns are not digital, they are digitized using a digitizer known to those skilled in the art. In another embodiment, if no pattern is received, then the pattern is made from the production sample garment 59 and/or technical pack 54. Further, fabric swatches, or the production sample garment 59 received are/is tested using the fabric testing equipment 122 to produce an initial set of fabric presets, which are tested as described below to produce a final set of presets.

Creating 3D Virtual Apparel

With reference to FIG. 8, a flow diagram illustrating steps performed in creating 3D virtual garment or e-garment object 183 is shown according to one embodiment. Any entity may practice one portion, or all of the steps of any or all the methods described herein. For example, and not by way of limitation, it is more likely in some embodiments that clothing manufactures or retailers 50 would provide specifications for the apparel that may or may not include a digital or paper pattern. Further, in one embodiment, the process of creating 3D virtual garment or e-garment 183 may be performed once per garment and, and not repeated for example, irrespective of the number of times a consumer virtually tries-on the style or the number of consumers that try-on the garment.

In step 350, from the digital pattern 57, production sample garment 59, technical pack 54, grading rules 53, fit model scan data or body measurements 58, and/or paper pattern 51 received from the retailer 50, digital pattern pieces are created, or converted from digital pattern 57, using the apparel product development software 114. Generally, a pattern refers to the collection of the individual pieces of the garment 59. In standard practice, the pattern pieces are drafted first, then laid over fabric, which is then cut around the perimeter of each piece. The resulting pieces of fabric are then sewn together to form the finished garment 59. Therefore, the pattern refers to a blueprint of the garment 49 and its individual pieces.

Indeed, there are several cases in which a digital pattern 57 is received, made, or modified from the above-referenced information received from the retailer 50. In one embodiment, part of the apparel product development software 114 may include a software program named TUKACAD running on product development workstation 116 in the 3D virtual apparel processing system 112, which may be used to create or reformat the digital pattern. TUKACAD is widely used CAD software for digital pattern making, digitizing, grading, and marker making in the apparel industry, and is available from TUKATech, Inc., 5527 E. Slauson Ave., Los Angeles, Calif. 90040, www.tukatech.com. TUKACAD creates points and interpolates splines between points to create a 2D shape or CAD drawing. Additionally, the digital pattern can be graded in TUKACAD to create larger or smaller sizes. Those skilled in the art would recognize that a variety of CAD software programs may be used to perform the functions carried out by TUKACAD.

As noted above, there are several cases regarding the kind of information that is received from a retailer 50 regarding a production sample garment 59 from which the digital pattern pieces are created in TUKACAD. In a first case, a retailer 50 does not have digital pattern 57 or paper pattern 51 for a production sample garment 59. Retailers 50 that do not have patterns 57 or 51 may provide or utilize a widely used technical pack 54 with specifications for how the style is to be made and/or may provide or use a production sample garment 59 for reference. These instructions are then interpreted in 3D virtual apparel processing system 112 to create a digital pattern.

In a likely second case the customer has paper pattern 51 for corresponding to production sample garment 59. Paper pattern 51 may then be digitized or scanned into TUKACAD software using digitizer or pattern scanner 118. As the paper pattern 51 is being digitized, TUKACAD software draws the pattern in digital form resulting in a digital pattern made of digital pattern pieces.

In a likely third case, the retailer 50 has a digital pattern 57 in a third-party format. The digital pattern may then be converted into the format that can be read by the apparel product development software 114 using built-in conversion tools in TUKACAD Software.

In step 352, generally, the physical fabric of a new garment may be tested and simulated to solve for digital fabric presets to be input into apparel product development software 114 for processing. In order to more precisely simulate the behaviour of fabric in a virtual environment, various intrinsic characteristics or parameters that uniquely define real fabric may be determined. The results of those tests may be the fabric presets, which may be entered into a computer model. In some cases, the fabric presets are not independent variables and further testing may be used to arrive at the final fabric presets. In one embodiment, the computer model comprises a three dimensional (3D) virtual software environment.

In one embodiment, software named E-FIT SIMULATOR, also called E-FIT herein, is used as the computer model. E-FIT SIMULATOR is commercially available from TUKAtech, Inc., 5527 E. Slauson Ave., Los Angeles, Calif. 90040, www.tukatech.com, and is built using 3DS MAX's SDK. E-FIT, in one embodiment, incorporates cloth simulation plug-in software, CLOTHFX, which is manufactured by Size 8 Software, and is readily available from TurboSquid, Inc., 643 Magazine St., Suite 405, New Orleans, La. 70130, www.turbosquid.com. E-FIT may be used in conjunction with the aforementioned CLOTHFX software to create 3D virtual apparel, including draping on a virtual model and simulating animation in a 3D environment as described below. This combination of software is currently used commonly by designers and engineers for rapid prototyping of apparel design and development.

Generally, some presets are determined by conducting physical tests on one or more swatches of the fabric from production sample garment 59, while other presets also require an additional virtual test, wherein results from the physical test are compared with results from the virtual test in a process of linear regression, which is used to arrive at the final preset value. For example, there may be three fabric presets for stretch-one for warp, one for weft, and one for shear, which may comprise dependent variables that may not be individually solved-for in an isolated test, but rather may require linear regression using all three parameters to find the final presets.

One of the presets tested comprises stretch and shear resistance. An intrinsic property of cloth or fabric is its ability to stretch, which distinguishes it from a normal rigid body. Fabrics can vary in their ability to stretch, and this characteristic can be quantified. In the physical test of the fabric for this characteristic, the fabric assurance by simple testing (FAST) method known to those skilled in the art may be used. Specifically, the known FAST-3 fabric extensibility test may be used. Procedurally, a first sub-test is performed by hanging a swatch vertically. A weight is attached to the swatch, and the change in length due to the force of gravity is measured. The dimension of the swatch that may be tested is typically 15 cm by 15 cm. The direction selected along which to hang the swatch may depend on the direction of the grain-line of the fabric. That direction is typically known as the warp direction. In one embodiment, the test may be performed in the vertical direction (where vertical denotes the direction of gravity) for three specific orientations of the fabric. Those orientations are the directions of warp, weft, and bias. Weft is the direction perpendicular to warp. Bias is the direction that is 45 degrees from the warp and weft directions. The first measurement may be taken in the warp direction. The length of the swatch in the vertical may be, for example, 15 cm, and a weight of, for example, 100 grams may be attached along the bottom of the swatch, and a new length measurement is taken and recorded. The process is repeated for the weft direction. Finally, in the bias direction, the parameter being measured is called shear. For woven fabrics, measurements in the shear direction may also be made using an additional method, similar to the known KES-FB1 tensile/shear testing. For knits, the process may be the same as described above.

A virtual test for stretch and shear is next conducted. Generally, for virtual tests, E-FIT creates a 3D mesh object for the swatch under test, made in the dimension and shape of cloth, which CLOTHFX simulates gravity, collision with itself, and collision with other objects (or itself), to behave in accordance with how physical cloth would behave in a real environment. Therefore, CLOTHFX as applied to a 3D mesh object is accomplished using a set of algorithms based on known computer cloth simulation theory. The CLOTHFX algorithms are based on modelling the 3D mesh object's vertices as having mass, and the connections between vertices as springs. In other embodiments, alternative algorithms based on known research can be used to model the mesh as interacting particles. In either case, widely known algorithms in classical dynamics may be used to find the time-varying displacement of each point in the mesh. Such solutions have constants (such as natural frequency, spring constant, mass, etc.) which can be adjusted such that the mesh behaves like any particular fabric. Therefore, before draping, constants which appropriately model the selected fabric are chosen. These constants would be the fabric presets discussed herein. Additional forces that may be modelled may include damping forces, which simulate the effect of friction and air resistance. In the cases of friction and air resistance, the fabric presets found are the coefficient of kinetic friction, coefficient of static friction, and drag coefficient, respectively.

The cloth simulation algorithms used in E-FIT and CLOTHFX are thoroughly described in, for example: Xavier Provot, Deformation Constraints In A mass-Springmodel To Describe Rigid Cloth Behavior, Wayne A. Davis and Przemyslaw Prusinkiewicz, editors, Graphics Interface, pp. 147-154, Canadian Human-Computer Communications Society, 1995; Pascal Volino, Nadia Magnenat-Thalmann, Comparing Efficiency Of Integration Methods For Cloth Simulation, Computer Graphics International, pp. 265-272, July 2001; Kwang-Jin Choi, Hyeong-Seok Ko, Stable But Responsive Cloth, ACM Transactions on Graphics, 21(3), pp. 604-611, July 2002, D. E. Breen, D. H. House, M. J. Wozny. Predicting The Drape Of Woven Cloth Using Interacting Particles. In Computer Graphics (Proceedings of SIGGRAPH 94), Computer Graphics Proceedings, Annual Conference Series, pp. 365-372, Orlando (Florida), July 1994; D. Baraff and A. P. Witkin, Large Steps In Cloth Simulation, Computer Graphics (Proceedings of SIGGRAPH 98), Computer Graphics Proceedings, Annual Conference Series, pp. 43-54, Orlando, Fla., July 1998; and Rony Goldenthal, David Harmon, Raanan Fattal, Michel Bercovier, Eitan Grinspun, Efficient Simulation Of Inextensible Cloth, ACM SIGGRAPH 2007 papers, Aug. 5-9, 2007, San Diego, Calif.

In the vertical test, E-FIT and CLOTHFX may create a 3D mesh of the same dimensions of the physical swatch, then hang it vertically, and attach a virtual weight digitally. CLOTHFX is used to apply cloth simulation algorithms to the 3D mesh. Under the force of gravity, the 3D mesh (now behaving as cloth) is deformed or stretched, and the resultant change in length is measured. The simulation occurs using default values found in the physical tests described above for the stretch/shear resistance preset in all three directions. CLOTHFX applies cloth simulation algorithms to the 3D mesh. In order for CLOTHFX to more precisely model a 3D mesh to behave as a particular fabric, regression analysis is used to solve for the presets by repeating virtual tests and adjusting the presets until the results of the physical and virtual tests match.

Another parameter may comprise bend resistance. This measurement involves the way that fabrics differ from rigid bodies in their ability to bend. The resistance to bend is measured with this parameter. In one embodiment, a physical test uses a known method for assessment of the drape of fabrics. A circular swatch, for example, around 15 cm in diameter, may be draped over a circular rigid body, with a smaller diameter than the swatch, which is propped up by a stand. The setup is situated under a light, such that the resultant folds cast a shadow. This is called a projection of the drape. The projection is then photographed, and the surface area of the projected surface is calculated.

A virtual test for bend resistance may be conducted in similar fashion to the physical test. However, instead of measuring the surface area of the projected image (or shadow from the bends), the mesh is flattened within E-FIT. The resultant area of the flattened mesh may be measured and compared with the surface area measured in the physical test. Using regression analysis, the fabric preset for bend resistance may then be adjusted, and the virtual test may be repeated until the surface areas of both tests match, wherein the resultant fabric preset is the final fabric preset for bend resistance.

Yet two other presets may be kinetic and static friction. Fabric draped on a body can experience damping forces that result from friction with the body's surface and friction with itself or with other fabric. A physical test for static friction may be performed by sliding a swatch along a surface, with a known coefficient of static friction. The plane is tilted to find the angle, herein known as the repose angle, at which the swatch begins to slide. The repose angle is used to determine the coefficient of static friction, where the coefficient of static friction equals the tangent of the repose angle for an object sliding down a plane. The coefficient of static friction that results from the physical test may be used as the fabric preset, and no further calculation may be required. Therefore, this value is a direct input into CLOTHFX.

In a physical test for kinetic friction, a method is used in which a constant force is applied to a swatch along a plane to measure the value of the applied force at which the swatch travels at constant velocity. In one embodiment, a string is attached to the swatch, which is pulled along a plane with a known coefficient of kinetic friction. The pull force applied is measured using off-the-shelf instruments for measuring force. The pull force that results in a constant velocity of the swatch along the plane is multiplied by the cosine of the vertical angle of the string used to pull the swatch with respect to the plane. Then, the coefficient of kinetic friction is equal to the force applied multiplied by the cosine of the angle from the plane and then divided by the normal force. The coefficient of kinetic friction may be used as the fabric preset and no further calculation may be required. Therefore, this value may be a direct input into CLOTHFX.

Yet another preset parameter is the surface density of the cloth. A swatch of cloth of the same dimensions can have very different weights, depending on the type of textile used to build the cloth and the density of threads used to weave or knit. In the surface density test, the weight of the cloth is measured. In a physical test, a standard scale is used to measure the weight of a swatch. The weight is divided by the surface area of the swatch to arrive at the surface density. The physical test may be a direct input into CLOTHFX as a fabric preset.

Another preset parameter may be air resistance. Cloth will drape differently depending on the how it falls through a fluid, such as air, and how it reacts with air as it moves in space. When airflow is directed at a cloth, some fraction of the air molecules that make up the airflow will permeate or penetrate the cloth, and some will collide, transferring momentum to the cloth and causing it to move (drag force). The resistance to this drag can vary between fabrics.

In a physical test for air resistance, since the resistance to drag is dependent on the coefficient of drag, and the coefficient of drag will be unique from fabric to fabric, the coefficient of drag is measured. One or more values for the air resistance presets provided by CLOTHFX may be used. However, those skilled in the art would recognize that other well-known tests to measure air resistance could be used to determine such presents for air resistance.

After completing the tests to obtain a final set of fabric presets, the fabric presets 181 may become part of a library of virtual fabrics in the first data storage 110, to be applied when creating virtual apparel made of specific fabric, removing the need to re-test the fabric with new garments made of the same material.

The next step, step 354, comprises preparing digital pattern 180 of the production sample garment 59, either by converting digital pattern 57 from another format, digitizing or scanning paper pattern 51, or creating it using information contained in technical pack 54 Digital pattern 180 may be represented in TUKACAD file format located in data storage 110. TUKACAD's file format stores the digital pattern as a collection of points and hermite splines that are interpolated between points. Each point has an attribute that can govern the shape and/or interpolation of the connected hermite splines. Other types of CAD software may use alternative types of splines or interpolation methods, however since all digital patterns can be converted into TUKACAD's format, all methods for creating and storing data points in a pattern are supported.

In one embodiment, digital pattern 180 may be made for each particular style in a base size. A base size refers to a sample size of a garment, or size that is used as a standard for a particular garment. Larger and smaller sizes may then be created differentially from this sample size by modifying the digital pattern 180, using a process called grading. The amounts that each point in the pattern are to be moved outward or inward are contained in grading rules 53.

The next step refers to converting the two dimensional pattern pieces into 3D meshes. Once the digital pattern has been prepared, it may be modified with construction information useful for conversion of the 2D pattern into a 3D virtual garment or e-garment 183. Pattern pieces may need to be adjusted to reduce the complexity of some garment features (e.g., removing extra folds, creating finished pieces for pockets, plackets, etc.). Some values used for physical garment production that are not required for virtual apparel also need to be removed (e.g., fabric shrinkage, sewing allowances, etc.). All of these procedures are made to digital pattern 180 in the TUKACAD software contained in apparel product development software 114. To further explain, the following procedures may or may not be applied to one, more, or all of the pieces of a garment depending on the garment type.

1) First, the digital pattern 180 piece quantity may be adjusted. A few pieces that may otherwise be necessary for production become irrelevant for 3D virtual apparel, and may be removed from the digital pattern 180.

2) Second, sewing allowances may be removed from digital pattern 180. A sewing allowance is an extension of the perimeter of a piece that adds additional fabric necessary for physically sewing a garment. This allowance is not necessary for 3D virtual apparel and may be removed from digital pattern 180.

3) Third, any shrinkage allowance may be removed from digital pattern 180. Digital pattern pieces are often created slightly larger in anticipation that once the fabric is washed, the garment will shrink back to the appropriate dimension. Simulation of shrinkage may not be necessary, and therefore, any allowances for shrinkage in the digital pattern 180 may be removed.

4) Fourth, variable hem lines may be removed from digital pattern 180. Primarily used in men's pants, extra fabric is added to the bottom of the pant leg such that a tailor can adjust the hem line. This additional fabric is not necessary for 3D virtual apparel and may be removed form digital pattern 180.

5) Fifth, sewing lines may be added (for pockets, flaps, etc) to digital pattern 180. When a piece needs to be sewn to the inside of another piece, a drill hole may be placed in a physical garment piece. However, in the process of creating digital pattern 180, a sewing line may be drawn digitally to facilitate adding of pockets, flaps, and other features to 3D virtual garment or e-garment 183.

6) Sixth, a fabric code may be assigned to each piece of the digital pattern 180. For example, the piece that refers to the front of a t-shirt may be assigned fabric code by the name of cotton, whereas the piece that represents the lining of the t-shirt may be given fabric code that represents an elastic material type, such as some polyester spandex blend.

7) Seventh, stitch segments may be assigned in the digital pattern 180. Segments may be defined so that they can be sewn in E-FIT. Marks may be added to the digital pattern 180 to define the starting and ending point of the segments that will be sewn.

8) Eighth, a size may be selected for the fit model avatar 173 (which was created from scan data or measure data from step 58). If digital pattern 180 has been graded into several sizes, the base size may be selected to fit the fit model avatar 173.

9) Ninth, fold lines may be assigned in digital pattern 180. Pieces that are folded (e.g., lapels) may have a line drawn on them where the fold will occur, so that E-FIT can fold the pattern piece along that line.

10) Tenth, pattern pieces may be rotated in digital pattern 180. E-FIT may use the orientation of the pattern pieces as a starting point for making transformations to the 3D mesh. Arranging the digital pattern pieces into a set orientation may ease this process.

11) Eleventh, unnecessary folds may be removed from digital pattern 180. Some pattern pieces may be folded multiple times during the physical construction of the garment. Often, this is not necessary in 3D virtual apparel, and the digital pattern pieces are adjusted to remove this extra length or width from digital pattern 180.

12) Twelfth, internal lines may be adjusted in digital pattern 180. Because the 2D spline pattern pieces are eventually meshed for 3D software, some adjustment of the splines may be necessary to avoid errors in E-FIT. For instance, a line cannot be meshed. So if there is an internal pattern line that extends past the outer boundary of the pattern piece, that external part of the line may need to be removed form digital pattern 180.

The next step 356 may be to convert the digital pattern into a 3D mesh. A 3D mesh, or polygon mesh, is a collection of vertices, edges and faces that defines the shape of a polyhedral object in computer graphics. The mesh is a collection of several closed surfaces. In a mathematical vector algebraic sense, which may be important for calculations, a mesh is a collection of numbers organized into several matrices. More simply stated in a geometric description, a mesh is made of points that are joined together with segments and surfaced by polygons.

In step 356, the digital pattern 180 may now be imported into E-FIT. The CLOTHFX plug-in in E-FIT may convert the pattern pieces into 3D mesh objects. Essentially, the 2D splines are surfaced to create a 3D mesh. The digital pattern 180 is now a 3D mesh. The 3D mesh is then further defined to have components such as pieces and segments, which later get defined with additional attributes.

In step 358, E-FIT interprets the fabric code for each piece of digital pattern 180 and assigns the corresponding fabric presets. For example, the piece of digital pattern 180 that represents front of a t-shirt may have been assigned a material code for cotton. E-FIT interprets this code and retrieves the fabric presets for cotton from its fabric library of presets.

In step 360, E-FIT may apply 3D piece placement, orientation, and curvature in the 3D pattern.

In step 362, E-FIT assigns sewing instructions. In this step, E-FIT matches each particular segment of a 3D mesh corresponding to a particular piece to another segment on the same 3D mesh, or to another 3D piece, in accordance with how the garment is supposed to be sewn together.

Referring to FIG. 9, a diagram illustrates an exemplary 3D piece placement and matching of the segments using E-FIT.

With reference back to FIG. 8, in step 364, E-FIT may virtually sew and drape the 3D mesh on the fit model avatar 173. Fit model avatar 173 is a virtual representation of the actual physical fit model, wherein the exact body measurements 164 may have been measured and used to create a virtual body in the base/sample size, or the physical fit model has been scanned, and the scanned data is used to create fit model avatar 173 in the base/sample size. If fit model avatar 173 is created from scanning a physical fit model, the scanning process may be similar the process described below with respect to an avatar.

Sewing and draping may be completed using functions provided by CLOTHFX and native E-FIT according to the sewing instructions assigned above. Often, garments have lining and/or layers of material. In such cases, layers may be placed, stitched, and draped in a specific order. The culmination of the simulation results in a drape on fit model avatar 173 that may be identical to the drape of a real garment on a real fit model.

With reference to FIG. 10, a screenshot 2050 using CLOTHFX and native E-FIT is shown during the sewing and draping process according to one embodiment.

With reference back to FIG. 8, in step 366, animation is created for the 3D virtual garment or e-garment 183. Fit model avatar 173 may have a predetermined motion or animation already applied. The predetermined motion may simply be a series of frames wherein the position of the fit model avatar 173 is slightly different, and when played out appears to be walking. Then, to simulate animation of the garment being worn, the above-described sewing and draping is performed for each frame. In one embodiment, thirty frames is equivalent to one second of animation.

In step 368 a presentation may be created for the retailer 50 to be approved and later presented to consumer 20. Making an object in 3D appear like physical object may often involve duplicating the look not only in 3D software or interactive rendering software, but require visual output hardware (such as a monitor or display) to accurately replicate the appearance of the object in reference to a real object.

E-FIT may apply a texture. In one embodiment, the 3DS MAX is used as the 3D engine for E-FIT. Since 3DS MAX refers to “textures” as “material textures,” the term “textures” will be referred to as such herein. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art, that the term “texture” is used for an embodiment that does not include using 3DS MAX, but rather some other 3D software, such as PHOTOSHOP available from Adobe Systems Incorporated, 345 Park Avenue, San Jose, Calif. 95110-2704. A material texture 188 contains data that may be assigned to the surface or faces of a 3D mesh so that it appears a certain way when rendered. Material textures 188 affect the color, glossiness, opacity, and the like, of the surface of a 3D mesh.

However, these material textures 188 may not be photometric, in the sense that they may not simulate the interaction of light or photons with the material textures 188 accurately. A user may use E-FIT's material editor built-in functions to further create the illusion of the garment's appearance. More specifically, the user of E-FIT may work to simulate the correct appearance of material textures by adjusting and applying various material texture properties or texture maps that model the color, roughness, light reflection, opacity, and other visual characteristics.

In one embodiment, material textures 188 may be applied to the surface of each 3D mesh corresponding to each pattern piece. These material textures 188 realistically simulate various attributes that make up the appearance of production sample garment 59. The following list of attributes may be modelled:

a. color:

-   -   combination of ambient, diffuse, specular, and/or filter

b. roughness or bumpiness:

-   -   bump maps, or displacement maps

c. light reflection:

-   -   shiny, glossy, matte, etc which are accomplished using general         shader settings or maps.

d. opacity.

Certain attributes may be set by the retailer. For example, a retailer may send a color swatch with a specific red-green-blue (RGB) value or PANTONE color value. In instances where the appearance is dependent on the lighting conditions, the attributes may be adjusted at the retailer's discretion.

Prints, images, logos, and other maps can be adjusted in size, position and orientation. The retailer may provide information (included in technical pack 54) on the placement (position) and size of these maps. Using E-FIT, a user loads these maps and adjusts them accordingly. Furthermore, stitch textures, a component of material texture 188, are added to give the appearance of actual stitching threads.

Completing the above steps results in the completion of 3D virtual garment or e-garment 183 and fit model drape 186, which are then stored in data storage 110.

Additionally, in step 370, media, such as images, movies, may be rendered and stored as original sample rendered media 182. Additionally, original sample 3D viewer data 187 may be created. FIG. 11 is an example of such rendering using E-FIT.

With reference back to FIG. 8, in step 372, a fit analysis process may be executed which results in creating original sample fit data 18.

Creating Avatars

The previous discussion, in section “3D Virtual Apparel”, has been focused on the “3D Virtual Try-On”, a process of draping the existing 3D virtual apparel garment on a consumer avatar is described. Since both processes require the use of an avatar, the following section describes processes to create an avatar, whether the avatar is for a fit model or a consumer.

An avatar may be defined as a 3D mesh constructed to have a similar shape as the consumer body 22 or fit model body 151 it was intended to model, and may or may not be animated. Fit-model avatar 173 may be created to drape 3D virtual garment or e-garment 183 on the avatar to produce fit model drape 186, by way of system 112. Likewise, consumer avatar object 171 may be used for simulating the drape of production sample garment 59 on a consumer's body 22, resulting in consumer drape 1102. The methods for any avatar, whether it be creating consumer avatar 171 or fit model avatar 173, are interchangeable and are described below.

In one embodiment, consumer avatar 171 or fit-model avatar 173 can be generated using three types of procedures, all of which are well-known to one skilled in the art. The first procedure utilizes a technique in which one mesh is conformed to another. The second procedure utilizes a technique called morphing, where one mesh is morphed to another. A third technique involves manually moving vertices from a mesh to another location, which is often called digital 3D sculpting. With respect to creating an avatar, these techniques involve moving vertices from one position to another. However, the conforming and morphing methods are discussed in more detail herein. These two techniques may have disadvantages and advantages over each other and therefore are used in varying situations. Described next is one embodiment of using each of these techniques. However, any technique not discussed, but well known to those skilled in the art could theoretically be used.

An avatar is created using avatar software application 904, which may be contained in avatar processing system 160. Avatar software application 904 begins creating an avatar by first accepting some input data on the consumer or fit-model. There may be many categories of input data, relating to any type of information on a human being or population of human beings—e.g., demographic information. For example, one may have data on the distribution of fat on the human body. Another example is data describing the amount of heat energy emanating from a body. A third example may be the color of the skin, eyes, and hair, and a fourth example may be data on the shape of the body. Since there are many types of information that can describe a human being, it is worthwhile to categorize the information or data. In one embodiment, the following three categories of data may be used to create an avatar: (1) body shape data, (2) body appearance/cosmetic data, and (3) body function data, where body may be defined to include all or any parts of the body, and data may be qualitative and/or quantitative, and stored in any form or format. For example, but not by way of limitation, the term body may include the torso, head, face, hands, fingers, finger nails, skin, hair, organs, bones, etc, or it may only include the torso.

Body shape data, refers to data that can be used or interpreted to understand and reproduce the accurate shape of a human body subject. Body appearance/cosmetic data, refers to data that helps reproduce the appearance of a human subject (e.g. eye color, hair style, skin texture). Body function data provides information on how the human subject's body functions. In (e.g. the systems of the body, such as lymphatic, endocrine, skeletal, immune, and others). It may aid to have body function data on movement (e.g. how the body's limbs, torso, head, or skeletol, muscular, etc respond to movement). Such data, for example, and not by way of limitation, may be captured using a generic motion capture technology for capturing body movement data. Finally, each data category may have many different types data in which information relating to that category are stored. The various data types for each data category are described below.

Beginning with the first category of data, body shape data, there may be three data types in which information on the shape of a human subject can be stored, provided, or retrieved for use in creating an avatar. For example, but not by way of limitation, the input data may be one or the following: (1) raw body scan data 172, (2) body measurements and other shape data 176 and (3) photographs 174. Although photographs can also be a raw body scan data type, photographs taken in some other mechanism, (e.g. webcam or single camera) may also be included.

Raw body scan data 172 refers to raw output data from any type of scanner, whether it be generic body scanner 149 (e.g. point cloud originating from RF data, structured light data, lasers, mirrors, or any other type of raw data output from these scanners or other yet undiscovered types of scanners.). Moreover, raw body scan data can originate from stereophotogrammetry body scanner 152

Body measurements and other shape data 176 may refer to both manual measurements taken of consumer body 22 either by the consumer or by a third-party, extracted body measurements from raw scan data 172, statistically derived measurements from sizing survey data 178 or avatar statistical data 179, and/or any combination thereof.

Photographs 174 refer to supplemental photographs of the body from different angles, which may or may not include the other parts of the body (e.g. face, hands, etc). For example a user may take a photograph of the face of consumer body 22, and submit the photograph online, by which the system may map the person's face to consumer avatar object 171. Photographs 174 may not originate from a scanner, but rather may originate from a web cam, a single digital camera and may be user submitted. Photographs 174 shall not be confused with photographs originating from raw body scan data 172, especially in the case of the method of stereophotogrammetry as described below.

When creating an avatar, the highest precision in reproducing the shape, appearance and function may be desired, however, where precision in data is lacking, a combination of data types may be used to help supplement data or data precision that may be lacking. Therefore, in one embodiment, a combination of data types may be used to further increase the precision of the an avatar.

For example, but not by way of limitation, one may use the following combination of data types for accurately reproducing the body shape of a human subject. These data types could include size survey data. Sizing survey data 178 refers to body measurement and shape data from a population of human beings. For example, but no by way of limitation, the widely used Size USA survey, provided by TC2, which contains raw scan data or extracted body measurements from over 10,000 people can be used. Such data may represent one or many populations with various demographic characteristics. Then, this data may be searchable or queried by a specific demographic or set of demographics. Then, additional information collected on the consumer or fit model such as, .age, ethnicity, sex, residence, etc may be used to match the consumer to a specific population that is represented in sizing survey data. If a consumer is matched to a specific population, using demographic data in user data 177, then the body measurements or other shape data for that population may be used in part or in entirety to create the avatar of the consumer or fit model. In yet another embodiment, once a sufficient collection of consumer avatars 171 is gathered, statistics on body measurements and shape can gathered and stored as avatar statistical data 179 and may be used for statistical interpretation and later mined for trends that can further be used to constrain other estimates of the shape of the body, or further enhance those estimates.

Once information, of any data type, regarding the three data categories discussed above, is gathered, the next step is to interpret the data and create an avatar. However, in order to create an avatar, it may be useful to first create one or many base avatars 158. Base avatar 158 is a template avatar from which all other avatars can be made. Depending on the data type for the body shape category of data, the base avatar 158 can be morphed or conformed into the shape of consumer body 22 or fit model body 151

With reference to FIG. 12, a flow diagram illustrating the steps for creating a base avatar 158 according to one embodiment is shown. In step 380, a base avatar 158 may be created using avatar software application 904 in avatar processing system 160. In one embodiment, avatar software application 904 may comprise of built-in tools available in 3DS MAX or any 3D software that allows a user to create, edit and store mesh objects. Using 3DS MAX, a 3D artist may sculpt the arms, legs, torso, and other body parts. Then a 3D artist may join all the body parts together to form a single mesh of the base avatar 158.

In step 382, the base avatar 158 is rigged. A bone structure (or biped) may be inserted into the mesh using 3DS MAX tools, and may be sized and scaled appropriately so that the bone structure fits within the mesh properly. This process is known to those skilled in the art as rigging.

In step 384, within 3DS MAX, the bone structure may be attached to the vertices on base avatar 158 mesh so that when the bones move, base avatar 158 will move in accordance with how a human body typically moves. This process is known to those skilled in the art as skinning, and is not to be confused with putting skin on, which falls into the category of texturing. A file that holds the skinning data may be saved in avatar processing system 160 in avatar data storage 170.

Base avatars 158 can be created for male and females for any typical sample size (i.e., men's size 40, women's size 8, etc.). From these base avatars 158 made from sample sizes, new avatars can be made in any size and shape.

As discussed earlier, the use of the conforming or morphing techniques is dependent on the type of data received on consumer body 22 or fit model body 151. If the data type is raw scan data 172, then a mesh is created from the raw scan data, and the base avatar 158's mesh is conformed to it. In another embodiment, the received data type may be body measurements and other shape data 176. In such a case, the morphing technique may be used. In this case, the base avatar 158 mesh is morphed. The following discussion relates to the case where the data type is raw scan data 172.

Generally, in the prior art, consumer avatar 171, and fit model avatar 173 would be created by measuring the shape of a consumer's body, or a physical fit-model described above, by way of a set of measuring tools, such as lasers, cameras, structured light, radio waves, or other electromagnetic based tools. Such configurations of measurement are typically called direct or passive body scanners, and will be collectively referred to as body scanners herein. In one embodiment, stereophotogrammetry system 150 may comprise any of these prior-art types of body scanning technologies, or alternatively, stereophotogrammetry system 150 may include stereophotogrammetry body scan booth 152 described below. Stereophotogrammetry system 150 may also comprise any body scanning software for processing raw scan data to create 3D meshes or avatars. Alternatively, stereophotogrammetry system 150 may include body scanning software 154 described below. For example, companies that produce some of these types of prior art scanners include those available from Unique, 133 Troop Avenue, Dartmouth, NS, B3B 2A7, Canada, TC²/Imagetwin, located at 5651 Dillard Dr., Cary, N.C. 27518, Telmat Industrie, 6, rue de l′Industrie-B. P. 130—Soultz, 68503 GUEBWILLER Cedex (France), and, or Human Solutions, GmbH, Europaallee 10, 67657 Kaiserslautern, Germany.

However, in one embodiment of the presently described system, stereophotogrammetry may be applied. Photogrammetry is the practice of determining the geometric properties of objects from photographic images. In the simplest example, the distance between two points that lie on a plane parallel to the photographic image plane can be determined by measuring their distance on the image, if the scale of the image is known.

A more sophisticated technique, called stereophotogrammetry, involves estimating the three-dimensional coordinates of points on an object. These are determined by measurements made in two or more photographic images taken from different positions. Common points are identified on each image. A line of sight (or ray) can be constructed from the camera location to the point on the object. It is the intersection of these rays (triangulation) that determines the three-dimensional location of the point. More sophisticated algorithms can exploit other information about the scene that is known a priori, for example symmetries, in some cases allowing reconstructions of 3D coordinates from only one camera position.

Algorithms for photogrammetry typically express the problem as that of minimizing the sum of the squares of a set of errors. This minimization is known as bundle adjustment and is often performed using the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm.

The stereophotogrammetry method may have advantages in cost and features that other methods cannot achieve. With reference to FIG. 13, a diagrammatic right perspective view of a stereophotogrammetry body scan booth 152, and scan booth computing device 153 with body scanning software 154, is shown according to one embodiment. Briefly, using stereophotogrammetry, several cameras 800, for example twenty, may be positioned around the human body, and then simultaneously triggered to acquire multiple digital photographs. The resultant photographs may then be transmitted to scan booth computing device 153, which contains body scanner software 154. In other words, body scanner software 154 may trigger cameras 800 and acquire photographs from cameras 800. The body scanner software 154 may be used to mask and remove background colors, and may further be used proc to implement a process called segmentation to remove object(s) other than the subject of interest. Body scanner software 154 performs many of the previous mentioned steps using a program originally written using MATLAB software, available from Mathworks, Inc., MathWorks, Inc., 3 Apple Hill Drive, Natick, Mass. 01760-2098. However, those skilled in the art would recognize that many different software applications may perform similar functions. For example, the software may be written using the C++ programming language to perform the same functions implemented in the MATLAB software.

Furthermore, the refined photographs are then sent as inputs to 3DSOM PRO software available from About Creative Dimension Software, Ltd., Wey Court West, Union Road, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7PT, United Kingdom. This software then uses these photographs to create 3D mesh 159. However, those skilled in the art would recognize that many different software applications may perform similar functions. 3D mesh 159, is then imported into 3DS MAX, wherein the base avatar 158 is morphed to the dimensions and shape of 3D mesh 159.

With reference to FIG. 14, a flow diagram illustrates steps performed for scanning consumer body 22 or fit model body 151 using the stereophotogrammetry method of body scanning, as well as the steps for converting the output of this body scanning method into a 3D mesh.

In step 400, the camera 800 is assembled. Any standard charge coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) camera 800 can be used. In one embodiment, a CMOS 2 megapixel chip is used in order to maximize resolution while minimizing cost, such as that provided in the QUICKCAM 600 available from Logitech, Inc., 6505 Kaiser Dr., Fremont, Calif. 94555 USA. However, any CCD or CMOS commercially available digital camera, webcam, professional camera, industrial camera, or security camera could be used. The aforementioned QUICKCAM 600 has a 2 Megapixel sized CMOS chip providing 30 frames/second over a universal serial bus (USB) 2.0 connection. The camera 800 may be dissembled to retrieve only the circuit board with the CMOS chip attached and USB still connected. However, any megapixel size chip with any frame rate and other connections (e.g., Firewire), could also be used. Moreover, additional cameras could be added, a slightly rotating pedestal could be used, and/or mirrors could be used in place of some cameras. However, the method described herein was selected due to accuracy and cost-effectiveness.

In step 402, a wide angle lens may be attached to a spacer, attached to a camera enclosure, which encloses the circuit board to which the CMOS chip is attached. A wide field-of-view lens may be used in this embodiment so that the camera 800 can be positioned as close to the consumer body 22 or fit model body 151 as possible while keeping the subject within the field of view. Any distortion due to the lens may be corrected-for in 3D SOM PRO software using its lens calibration tools. In one embodiment, a 2.9-8.2 mm lens, provided by Computar, Inc., 55 Mall Drive, Commack, N.Y. 11725, may be used.

In step 404, a plastic project enclosure (for example, 3×2×1 inches), provided by RadioShack, Inc, may be used to house the camera 800. A 3-5 mm hole may then be cut open to make the CMOS chip visible. A 5 mm spacer with threads may be attached over the hole and the lens is screwed into the spacer.

Steps 400-404 may be repeated for each camera to be used.

In step 406, stereophotogrammetry body scan booth 152 is assembled. Standard zero structures 910 may be used to assemble the structure, for example, a 7 ft×7 ft×7 ft sized stereophotogrammetry body scan booth 152. A matte 920 with a specific pattern, which may be provided by 3D SOM, Inc., may be placed in the center of the floor 915. This is where the consumer body 22 or fit model body 151 stands. Cameras 800 and lights may be fixed to cross beams 912 that attach to the four pillars of the structure 910 along the perimeter. Electrical pipe may be built around the structure on the inside and outside of the zero pillars at the very top of the body scanning booth 152. Fabric may be hooked to the pipes to create drapes to enclose the structure from outside light, and to include a fixed color background behind the subject from all angles. Pre-fabricated structures could be used in a similar manner, where modifications may be made depending on the type of structure.

Referring again to FIG. 14, in step 408, the camera array may be created. 20-50 cameras 800 may be positioned along the walls of the stereophotogrammetry body scan booth 152. At least fifteen cameras 800 may be positioned at approximately eye level and distributed equally around the consumer body 22 or fit model body 151. However, any configuration could be used. At least an additional four cameras may be positioned at two feet higher than eye-level and distributed around consumer body 22 or fit model body 151. The last camera 800 may be positioned in an aerial view above the head of consumer body 22 or fit model body 151. The positioning of the all 20-50 cameras can vary depending on the user's choice, and is not limited to this configuration. In one embodiment, the matte and the entire subject may be visible in the field of view in all configurations, so as to take advantage of the features of 3D SOM PRO Software.

In step 410, the cameras 800 are connected in an array. Cameras 800 may be connected USB powered hubs in one embodiment. All hubs may be connected to a computer with USB ports. In other embodiments, the cameras may be wired for Bluetooth, Ethernet, wifi, or the like.

In one embodiment, stereophotogrammetry body scanning software 154, which may interface with or include software components, may also contain executable instructions to perform one or more of the following steps 412-418 described below. In step 412, the video stream of consumer body 22 or fit model body 151 is acquired. MATLAB software, which may be one of the software components of stereophotogrammetry body scanning software 154, is available from Mathworks, Inc., 3 Apple Hill Drive, Natick, Mass. 01760-2098, and which may be used to read the video streams from the cameras. Specifically, the image acquisition toolbox of MATLAB may be used to start and view all 20 video streams. Those skilled in the art would recognize that a variety of software programs may be used to perform the functions carried out by MATLAB.

In step 414, the images may be acquired from the video stream, wherein the main subject is consumer body 22 or fit model body 151, and may be placed in the middle of the stereophotogrammetry body scan booth 152 to stand on a matte, such that their body is in the field view of the cameras. The cameras are triggered to acquire images or single frames from each camera 800. In one embodiment, a manual trigger may be used with cameras that do not support hardware triggering. However, hardware triggering can be used to speed up image acquisition to prevent any lag time between cameras.

In step 416, MATLAB's image processing toolbox may be used to mask images, save them in any format that can be read by 3D SOM PRO, and send them to 3D SOM PRO Software. Software written using MATLAB may be compiled into a standalone executable file to perform this step.

In step 418, 3D mesh 159 is created using 3D SOM's software.

In one embodiment, the number of cameras 800 may be arbitrary. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, 20 or more, or less, cameras 800 may be used. Further, the position of the cameras 800 may be more or less arbitrary in one embodiment. A position calibration map 820 may be used for helping the 3D SOM PRO software determine the position of the cameras 800 in three dimensional space. In one embodiment, the position calibration map 820 may comprise a flat annular component having radial spaced black circles 822 printed thereon. Depending on the position of each camera 800, the black circles 822 are captured by each camera 800 with a different distortion, which 3D SOM PRO, or other software used to calibration position, is capable of interpreting to indicate the position of each camera 800. In one embodiment, the black circles 822 may preferably be of varying sizes.

Further, any number of various types of cameras 800 or sensors may be used. In one embodiment, webcams may be used because they are less expensive and may provide relatively higher resolution with CMOS sensors at the same price. However, more expensive digital cameras with CCD sensors with a broader color ranges may be used. Further, any type of lens may be used with the cameras 800. For example, the lenses are capable of having various focal lengths. For example, the types of lenses may be defined by variations in focal length, diameter, and/or magnification.

In order to calibrate the cameras for such variations in lens types, for example, a lens calibration map 830 having black circles 832 similar to those on the position calibration map 820 may be used. Each camera 800 may be calibrated for type of lens by pointing each camera at the lens calibration map 830 at a constant distance to and angle, taking pictures at various zooms. The 3D SOM PRO software may then use the varying images captured by each of the cameras 800 and/or lens types. The 3D SOM PRO software then takes the calibration images and correct for the varying cameras 800 and/or lens types.

With the above description of the stereophotogrammetry system 152, those of skill in the art would recognize that the stereophotogrammetry system 152, may comprise an arbitrary number of two or more cameras 800 for taking independent photographs of a physical object; a position calibration map 820 for providing three dimensional position data for the two or more cameras 800; each camera 800 having a lens, wherein each lens has a type, wherein two or more of the lenses are capable of being the same type; a lens calibration map 830 for each type of lens, wherein the lens calibration map is capable of correcting for non-linearity within the lens; a first set of instructions capable of execution on a processor 153 to acquire a set video streams from the two or more cameras 800; a second set of instructions capable of execution on a processor 153 to trigger the two or more cameras 800 substantially simultaneously to produce an image from each camera 800; a third set of instructions capable of execution on a processor 154 to download and save the image from each camera 800; a fourth set of instructions capable of execution on a processor 153 to mask the image from each camera 800 to produce a set of masked images; a fifth set of instructions capable of execution on a processor 153 to process three dimensional positional data from the position calibration for the set of masked images; and a sixth set of instructions capable of execution on a processor 153 to process a three dimensional mesh from the set of one or more masked images. The system 153 may have a variable number of cameras 800. The system 152 may include variable positions of the cameras 800. The position calibration map 820 may be modifiable according the number and position of the cameras 800. Further, the lens calibration map 830 may be modifiable according the types of lenses on the cameras 800. The size of the whole stereophotogrammetry system 154 may also be adjustable. The first, second, third and fourth software instructions may also comprise image acquisition and processing software instructions, which may all be embodied in the body scanner software 154. The image acquisition and processing software instructions may comprise MATLAB software instructions in one embodiment. The image acquisition and processing software instructions may comprise LABVIEW software instructions in another embodiment.

In one embodiment, the download of the images from the cameras 800 may occur using universal serial bus (USB), Firewire or wifi network devices.

The fifth and sixth software instructions may comprise three dimensional modelling software. In one embodiment, the three dimensional modelling software may comprise 3DSOM PRO. In another embodiment, the three dimensional modelling software may comprise compiled object oriented software instructions.

Lights 840 may be a part of the system 152, which may be used to create uniform lighting conditions to create the least amount of shadows. Reflectors may be used to further achieve ambient light conditions within the booth 152. A uniform background may be used within the walls of the booth to aid in the masking process. Those skilled in the art, for example, may find a green background generally aids in the masking process.

Finally, the size of the stereophotogrammetry body scan booth 152 may be variable or adjustable, generally having little effect on the operation of the booth 152. This allows for the booth 152 to be adjusted for use in different special arrangements as space may provide.

With reference to FIG. 15, a flow diagram illustrates further steps performed by avatar software application 904. In one embodiment, 3D mesh 159, previously created in stereophotogrammetry system 150, may be sent to the avatar software application 904. Then, the initial step performed by avatar software application 904 is step 427, importing the 3D mesh 159.

In another embodiment, a prior art body scanner system 149 may be used in place of stereophotogrammetry system 150, where prior art body scanner 149 may refer to all currently existing forms of body scanners described in prior art, or alternatively all other body scanners contemplated by future technologies. Then, prior art body scanner system 149 may also provide a 3D mesh as an output. In this case, the initial step performed by avatar software application 904 is step 427, similarly importing the 3D mesh 159.

However, in another embodiment, output data from prior-art body scanner 149 may only provide raw scan data as input in step 425, and not a 3D mesh. Thus, in step 426 3D mesh 159 may be created from a prior-art scanner system's 149 raw scan data using MESHLAB software, a widely available open source application available form http://meshlab.sourceforge.net/, 3DS MAX, and/or any 3D software able to perform such function with raw scan data.

In step 426, 3D mesh 159 is imported in to 3DS MAX software.

In step 428, scaling and alignment of 3D mesh 159 with base avatar 158 may take place. Within 3DS MAX, the base avatar 158 may be superimposed on top of the 3D mesh 159. The base avatar 158 may then be scaled in size such that its height aligns with the height of the 3D mesh 159. When scaling up and down, the shape and proportion of the base avatar 158 may not change. In other words, the system grows or shrinks base avatar 158 so that 3D mesh 159 and base avatar 158 occupy a similar volume. Furthermore, the limbs of base avatar 158 may also be adjusted to align with the limbs from 3D mesh 159.

In step 430, the head, hands, and feet are detached from base avatar 158 in order to complete the next step.

In step 432, the torso of base avatar 158 is conformed to the torso of 3D mesh 159. MAXSCRIPT code, which is a scripting language provided by 3DS MAX, may be run, which can run within 3DS MAX. This script moves verticices of the torso of base avatar 158 to the torso of 3D mesh 159, such that their shapes and proportions are the same and they occupy the same volume. In running this script, the skinning may be lost and can be reproduced.

In step 434, the hands, feet and head of base avatar 158 are re-attached to newly conformed mesh.

In step 436, the conformed mesh is re-skinned using saved data stored in avatar data storage 170.

In step 438, animation is applied. This step may be to store a standard point-cache file which stores the animation components of consumer avatar 171 or fit model avatar 173.

If the subject was consumer body 22 then the conformed mesh may be referred to now as consumer avatar 171. Otherwise, if the subject was fit model body 151 then the conformed mesh may be referred to now as fit model avatar 173.

In step 440, consumer avatar 171 or fit model avatar 173 is exported from 3DS MAX and stored in avatar data storage 170.

In one embodiment, consumer avatar 171 or fit model avatar 173 may be derived directly from body measurements 176 instead of 3D mesh 159, where body measurements and other shape data 176 may have been extracted from raw scan data 172, or from user data 177 (e.g. demographics) using avatar software application 904. Further quantitative information may include data originated from statistical analysis of historical body scans (sizing survey data 178) and/or avatar statistical data 179. If the consumer provides these measurements, they may do so by entering on computing device 24 which then stores the in user data 177. The computing device 24 may comprise any type of processing device, such as a personal computer (desktop or laptop), smartphone, iPHONE®, iPAD®, tablet pc, mobile computing device, kiosk, gaming device, media center (at home or elsewhere), or the like. For example, but not by way of limitation, the consumer may enter body measurements and/or select other avatars features using an html form or a client-side software application 28 running on computer device 24. The user's selection and entered data is then to ASP 100's avatar software application 904 running in avatar processing system 160.

With reference to FIG. 16, a flow chart illustrates the steps for creating an avatar from any combination of data entities 176, 177, 178, and 179, according to one embodiment. In step 500, the consumer body measurements and other shape data 176 are gathered. In one embodiment, by way of example, and not by way of limitation, there can be approximately between 5 and 50 points of measurements corresponding to consumer body 22.

Since the data type is body measurements and other shape data, base avatar 158 may be morphed to create the shape of consumer avatar 171 or fit model avatar 173.

One skilled in the art would recognize that in order to morph a mesh, one may require morph targets. Therefore, base avatars 158 may have morph targets, allowing them to be morphed. For extremely large and small human bodies, additional base avatars 158 may created with additional morph targets. A morph (sometimes called a control) is applied to the base avatar 158 that links to the morph target, and can be used to interpolate between the two objects, changing the size/shape of the base object to match the morph target's geometry either partially or completely. In other words, by adjusting the morph target, one can approximate the shape of a new avatar. When several morphs are adjusted such that the new avatar similarly match the consumer body 22's or fit model body 151's body shape and or measurements, then one has arrived at consumer avatar 171 or fit model avatar 173 respectively.

Each morph target may correspond to one or many points of measure. Points of measure are control points for a specific body measurement from body measurements and other shape data 176 (e.g. the circumferential waist measurement may have a control point). Therefore, when the point of measure needs to be changed to a specific body measurement value (given by the user, extracted from raw scan data, or derived by some other means), the morph target is adjusted.

With reference to FIG. 17, a graphic slide show illustrates an exemplary flow of the morphing process described above. For example, in slide 2000, the base avatar 158 is shown in it's original shape. As shown in slide 2002, the morph targets are adjusted closer to the consumer measurement data. Finally, in slide 2004, the morph targets are reached, and the consumer avatar 171 is therefore created.

In step 502, base avatar 158 may be morphed as described above.

Another embodiment includes supplementing body measurement 176, user data 177, sizing survey data 178, or avatar statistical data 179 with digital images 174. Digital images 174 from a single camera may further enhance the process of creating consumer avatar 171 or fit model avatar 173. Multiple digital photographs may be used as references for sculpting the mesh of base avatar 158 within avatar software application 904, wherein sculpting refers to the process of adjusting the morph targets to match a visual contour of consumer body 22 or fit model body 151 given in a digital photograph.

With reference to FIG. 18, a flow diagram illustrates the steps for creating an avatar according to one embodiment. In step 510, digital photographs can be taken of a consumer body via a webcam or any digital camera. To create an avatar from multiple photographs, at least three photographs may be used (front, back and side), along with a height measurement. The digital photographs may be sent to the avatar software application 904. In step 512, the digital photographs can be masked such that everything besides the consumer body is removed from the image. This can be accomplished using MATLAB software, PHOTOSHOP by Adobe Systems Incorporated, 345 Park Avenue, San Jose, Calif. 95110-2704, or any image editing software.

In step 514, the base avatar mesh is sculpted. The digital photographs may be used as references to match the shape of the avatar to the real person. The photographs may then be mapped to planes in a 3D scene in 3DS MAX and placed around the base avatar's mesh. This makes it possible to use the photographs as references to the shape of the body that is being reproduced digitally. For example, if the photograph is front-facing, then the base avatar's mesh is also front-facing in the scene. Second, the base avatar's morph targets are adjusted to get the shape close to where it should be to match the silhouette of the reference image. Then, vertices in the base avatar's mesh are adjusted using soft selection methods to correct the avatar to match the references, and the measurements. When using photographs as references, photographs of the front, side and back of the body are adjusted digitally to correct errors in the photography as much as possible.

In yet another embodiment, the above methods described with respect to creating a consumer avatar 171 may be mixed, matched, and/or combined. For example, body measurements 176 can be further enhanced by adding images from a single camera of the body and face of consumer body 22 or fit model body 151.

With reference to FIG. 19, a flow diagram illustrates a method for modelling the face of consumer body 22 or fit model body 151. Whichever method described above is used to create consumer avatar 171 or fit model avatar 173, the face of consumer body 22 or fit model body 151 can be modelled using digital photographs from a webcam or digital camera. In step 550, three close-up images of the front profile, left profile, and right profile of the face of consumer body 22 or fit model body 151 may be taken and sent to the avatar software application 904. In step 552, FACEGEN Software, provided by Singular Inversions, 2191 Yong street, suite 3412, Toronto, ON. M4S 3H8, Canada, can be used to create a 3D mesh of the head. In step 554, a 3D mesh of the head can then be added to consumer avatar 171 or fit model avatar 173.

3D Virtual Try-on of Apparel on an Avatar

The next process may include draping the 3D virtual garment or e-garment 183 on a consumer avatar 171 in an automated process on the web or computing device 24, resulting in consumer drape 1102. The process begins when the consumer chooses to virtually try-on 3D virtual garment or e-garment 183. The consumer can request to virtually try-on 3D virtual garment or e-garment 183 by way of a graphical user interface (GUI) on computing device 24, or by sending a request over the internet through a website.

In one embodiment, the consumer may send a request on the internet to virtually try-on a garment by clicking hyperlink 81 which may reside in retailer's online store 80, a third-party online store, or on an online store running ASP 100. Hyperlink 81 may be positioned next to a display of a 3D virtual garment or e-garment 183, or a digital representation of production sample garment 59 available for virtual fitting. When a user presses hyperlink 81 using computing device 24, a sequence of events is started. With reference to FIG. 20, a flow chart describes the events that occur when a user decides to try on a virtual garment or e-garment 183. In step 601, in this embodiment, the user may select hyperlink 81 or press the button next to 3D virtual garment or e-garment 183 or a digital representation of production sample garment 59 on a website. The button or hyperlink 81 provides access to application service provider (ASP) 100 in step 602. The ASP 100 may communicate directly with retailer online store 80 or computing device 24 and may run 3D draping software application 900. With each request, data that signifies the user is included. In the asp-model, if the user is not known, then the user is prompted to sign-in or create a user profile with the ASP 100.

In another embodiment, referring to step 600, a user may run 3D draping software application 900 locally on computing device 24 enabling the user to virtually try on garments. This embodiment may require the user to sign in and exchange data with ASP 100 or retailer system 3D draping software application 900 may run computer device 24 or may run online in ASP 100 as an online service for retailers or consumers over a wide area network through a network connection. 3D virtual try-on processing system 1200 may exist at the retailer or may be hosted by a third party web server. In another embodiment, 3D draping software application 900 may run on kiosk 130. The user may click on a link or a button with a mouse, or interact with a touch screen on the display of computer device 131. The user may see the resultant output of the 3D virtual try-on process on 3D viewer application 132.

In step 604, it is determined whether the appropriate size for the consumer has already been determined. If so, processing moves to step 614. Otherwise, processing moves to step 608, to conduct size prediction algorithm 908.

In step 608, consumer's body measurements and other shape data 176 are queried from avatar processing system 160 and compared against 3D virtual garment or e-garment measurements 184 of 3D virtual garment or e-garment 183 at corresponding points of measure. The root mean square (rms) of the deviations of these two sets of measurements (body measurements 176 vs. 3D virtual garment or e-garment measurements 184) is calculated for each size available for production sample garment 59. Ease added to digital pattern 180, may be added to the shape of the avatar to better assist in attaining a solution.

In step 610, it is determined whether the size that results in the lowest rms is sufficient for an initial guess. Those skilled in the art of statistical analysis may use chi-squared or other statistical tests to assess the strength of the initial guess which may depend on the accuracy of which the consumer avatar 161 accurately duplicates the size, shape and proportion of consumer body 22. Moreover the user may determine if the initial guess is sufficient. If it is determined that the size is sufficient to serve as the initial guess for draping, then processing moves to step 614 wherein the initial guess of the 3D virtual garment or e-garment 183 is queued for draping on the consumer avatar 161. Otherwise, processing moves to step 612 wherein multiple sizes of 3D virtual garment or e-garment 183 are queued for draping on the consumer avatar 161.

In both steps 612 and 614, queue simulation request(s) is/are performed. Once received, simulation requests are sent to a queue system 903 that is capable of maintaining lists of multiple simulation requests from multiple users.

It is also possible that the user may want to virtual try-on one garment with one or more other garments that either they have previously tried on. If the user has selected to try on multiple garments, step 618, then processing moves to step 620 where the system retrieves consumer drape 1102 that corresponds to the garment that the user wishes already display on their avatar before draping additional clothing.

In step 622, associated files for the simulation that are queued are then retrieved from data storages 110 and 170. For example, all or any combination of files stored in data storages 110 and 170 may be retrieved which may be required for the size algorithm, the simulation and the fit analysis described above.

In step 624, node polling system 912 is initiated. When the simulation request is read and all file locations have been verified, in step 626, the software running the queue system 903 checks the node polling system 912 to find an available GPU 1002. In one embodiment, GPU 1002 may reside in a GPU cloud computing center 1000.

In step 628, the polling system 912 is updated to reflect that the selected GPU 1002 is in use for the simulation request and not available for other simulations.

In step 630, 3D draping software application 900 then continues by processing the simulation on the selected GPU 1002.

The 3D draping software application 900 may be EFIT with slight modifications. For example, but not by way of limitation, 3D draping software application 900 may run EFIT without a GUI and user action. In other words, in one embodiment, 3D draping software application 900 is simply EFIT software that has been modified to run automatically by accepting simulation requests from the queue, loading the appropriate files, processing the simulation by draping the garment on one or more CPUs or GPUs, and then exporting the required output files

Processing involves draping 3D virtual garment or e-garment 183 on consumer avatar 161. The existing fit model drape 186 on fit model avatar 173 may be loaded onto consumer avatar 161. Then, the drape process may be continued to readjust to account for the difference in the two avatars. The resultant output is consumer drape 1102. Processing of cloth simulations in a 3D environment may be hardware-intensive. To those skilled in the art, GPUs 1002 are preferred for simulation of 3D graphics. However, when GPUs 1002 are not available, more traditional CPUs may be used in their place. In one embodiment, GPUs 1002 or CPUs can be run in parallel to increase simulation processing speed through multi-threading so long as the selected processor supports it.

Moreover, processing may include simulating for animation. In such a case, an animation file is loaded. The animation file may be of consumer avatar 161 walking, running, dancing, sitting, or performing any human motion. Draping is performed on each frame of animation of consumer avatar 161 and then stored in consumer drape 1102.

With reference to FIG. 21 a diagram shows an example of what the above simulation and animation may look like on computer device (24 in FIG. 1) in the context of a virtual fitting room according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, browser 26 is used as the interface.

Focusing back to FIG. 20, in step 634, data from resulting from the previous steps of FIG. 19 is exported. In one embodiment, the following data files may be exported and added to avatar data storage 170 and/or 3D virtual try-on data storage 1100 for later retrieval, by way of example, and not by way of limitation: consumer drape file 1102; 3D viewer data 1112; fit data 1104; and rendered media 1108.

In step 636, the node polling system 912 is updated to reflect that the selected GPU 1002 is now available.

In step 638, a fit analysis algorithm 906 may executed in order to determine qualitative and quantitative data with respect to the outcome of the simulation (the 3D virtual try-on process). A fit analysis object may be created to store this qualitative and quantitative data. The output of fit analysis algorithm 906 may also be fit data 1104 and/or rendered media 1108. Fit analysis may include deriving qualitative and quantitative data from a consumer drape 1102 for multiple sizes for a specific garment, or just one single size.

Fit analysis algorithm 906 may perform a stretch test to determine how much the virtual fabric is stretching in consumer drape 1102. Positive stretch values may indicate tighter fit areas, zero or a small stretch value may indicate areas of good fit or simply no-stretch. Negative stretch values may indicate areas of compression. In one embodiment, stretch values may be used to determine how well or how poor a garment fits an avatar. This data can then be stored additionally as fit data 1104.

Stretch can be calculated in many ways. For example, but not by way of limitation, stretch may be calculated by measuring the percent difference in a specific measurement before and after the drape. In other words, an initial garment measurement might yield one length. After draping the garment on an avatar, the draped garment measurement at the same location might have a length that has increased or decreased. In one embodiment, the percent difference in length for that specific measurement may be defined as the stretch value. In another embodiment, the stretch value may be calculated for many garment measurements, and the stretch value may refer to the total stretch of all garment measurements, or the average stretch value of all garment measurements.

Quantitative data may also include calculating the change in stretch in a similar fashion as described above, but with initial value set to the stretch value of the base size, and the final value being the stretch value of the selected size (if other than the base size). Furthermore, quantitative data may also include calculating the stretch value for specific points of measure, rather than for the entire garment, and then comparing them with the initial 3D virtual garment or e-garment measurements from fit model drape 186. Moreover, quantitative data may also include calculating the total volume of space between the garment and the body and assessing how that total volume may increase or decrease from size to size. All data may be used together, or in pieces in a decision engine to establish a prediction of size. The decision engine may consider the total volume between the garment and the body, from size to size, versus the total stretch value, from size to size, and weight the two data types to arrive at the best fit of the garment to the body. It is well known to those skilled in the art that common procedures are available to determine how a garment is fitting using specific points of measure.

With reference to FIG. 22, an example web page produced by the system illustrates how stretch values may be visually displayed using a color tension map. These color tension maps can be viewed in any image format, on the web, or in any standard image viewing software. The color maps may also be viewable using 3D Viewer Application 82. The color tension map displays high stretch values in red, low stretch values in green, and negative stretch values in blue. data may include visual images of consumer drape 1102. Qualitative data may include a visual representation or image of the consumer drape using a color tension map to show the parts of the garment that are fitting tight, loose, or well. The color tension maps may be configured to show stretch values in certain directions with respect to the grain line of the fabric. For instance, a color tension map which display stretch values along the warp direction may be very different than a color tension map which displays stretch values along the weft or bias directions. Those skilled in the art may recognize different types of ways to present fit analysis data, including, by way of example, and not by way of limitation, using a color map showing shear, color map showing pressure on a body, color map showing pressure from air, color map showing drag force, color map showing tension color map showing compression, gray scale map showing shear, gray scale map showing pressure on a body, gray scale map showing pressure from air, gray scale map showing drag force, gray scale map showing tension or gray scale map showing compression

With reference to FIG. 23, another web page produced by the system illustrates how another form of a visual representation of consumer drape 1102 may show the 3D virtual garment or e-garment as partially transparent. This technique is referred to see-through mode, where the garment is partially transparent, and the user can see partially through the garment, revealing the avatar, and aiding the consumer in assessing how much space there is between the body and the garment. The opaqueness or transparency of the garment may also be adjusted.

Yet another form of visual representation of the consumer drape can be replacing the existing material texture of 3D virtual garment or e-garment 183 with a one inch by one inch grid pattern, which is applied as a material texture, which reveals the slope or curvature of the garment along the body. Fit analysis algorithm 906 may perform many other types of calculations. For example, but not by way of limitation, fit analysis algorithm 906 may calculate the total volume of space, using methods in calculus, between 3D virtual garment or e-garment 183 and consumer avatar 161 for all sizes of consumer drape 1102. This volume may aid in interpreting the correct size of the garment. Moreover, this calculation may aid in interpreting the fit of a garment.

The data gathered from the fit analysis algorithm, whether it be quantitative or qualitative or both, stored as fit data 1104, becomes extremely useful information to retailer system 50 and consumer system 50. More about this fit data will be discussed later

Referring back to FIG. 20, in step 640, the output data may sent to the consumer's computing device 24 by way of either a browser 26 or software application 28.

In step 642, 3D viewer data 1112 and fit data 1104 are displayed in 3D viewer application 82 or 132. 3D viewer application 82 may be embedded in webpage viewed on browser 26 or is an application on consumer computing device 24. In another embodiment, 3D viewer application may run in ASP 100 and may be viewable in browser 26.

In one embodiment, 3D viewing application 82 or 132 is an interactive renderer java applet made with Java and Java 3D libraries, each available from Oracle/Sun, 500 Oracle Parkway, Redwood Shores, Calif. 94065, with built-in functionality to rotate, pan, zoom, and animate virtual garment or e-garment 183 on consumer avatar 171. The user may also view the drape of one size larger or smaller than the estimated size. The user can also select to view the current virtual garment or e-garment 183 with a color tension map, in x-ray mode, playback animation of the drape, or view the garment with the avatar hidden from view. Moreover, the user can render an image to save in common image formats. 3D viewer application 82 or 132 may also have other interactive features that allow the user to rotate, pan, and zoom the 3D content. The user may also be able to annotate the garment with comments. Moreover, live sharing and chatting may be implemented so that the user can share the content live with another user. Chatting and video applications may be embedded allowing users to communicate further and discuss the 3D content.

Discussed above was an embodiment of 3D viewer application 82 or 132 written in Java and Java 3D. However, it is important to note that 3D viewer application 82 may be an interactive renderer created using c++, python, or any programming language capable of creating 3D web applications.

In one embodiment, in step 644, the user can rate and/or review the fit of the garment by giving a thumbs-up or thumbs-down. In another embodiment, the user can rate and/or review the garment on a numeric scale. In yet another embodiment, the user can rate the garment as “Fits well, too tight or too loose”. Other rating systems known to those skilled in the art can be used. All such reviews described above can be stored in 3D virtual try-on data storage 1100 as user reviews 1106.

In step 646, the user are given the option of saving consumer drape 1102 of 3D virtual garment or e-garment 183 for future viewing or mixing with other garments for viewing (e.g., shirt and pants). If saved, virtual garment or e-garment 183 appears in user's virtual closet 290 where the collection of consumer drapes 1102 are available for the user to view again. The user's subsequent action(s) are tracked within the application and/or webpage to determine whether they purchase the garment. If the user chooses to purchase the garment, an email notification may automatically be generated to the user notifying them that the virtual garment or e-garment 183 has been saved in their user profile and can be viewed at any time by logging into the ASP 100's web portal using computing device 24.

Virtual closet 290 may be accessed when the user is logged into ASP 100. Virtual closet 290 may store consumer drapes 1102 of 3D virtual garments or e-garments 183 that have been purchased and recently viewed. In one embodiment, virtual closet 290 may display these garments 183 as visual images of drapes that do not include the model.

Items in the closet may be viewed in 3D viewing application 30 can be viewed with other 3D virtual garments or or e-garments 183, for example, from the same retailer, or a different retailer, or mixed and matched in other ways.

In some embodiments, the virtual closet 290 may also provide for sharing between users. With social media integration, a user may share the results of their fit with contacts in facebook, myspace, yelp, and other social media sites, as well as personal websites or for viewing in applications in any computing device. The user may select a save image function that allows the user to take a picture or snap shot of the consumer drape 1102 of 3D virtual garment or e-garment 183 on the avatar, and then upload it to their profile on a social media site.

Fit Analysis for Consumers

With the data collection (consumer drape 1102, fit data 1104, user reviews 1106, rendered media 1108, and consumer avatar 171) that is accomplished by system 10 described herein, such data may be analyzed to discover trends and draw conclusions, which can, for example, provide feedback into the system and provide further granular analysis (step 306 in FIG. 3). For example, fit analyses for consumers may be performed on the collected data. In this regard, there is a tremendous value in data analyses of the production garments 59 consumers have purchased and not-returned. The production garments 59 are a reflection of the consumers' buying behaviour. Tracking and studying the buying behaviour is known to provide valuable information to those skilled in the art. However in the past, analyses have been limited to color, size, and fabric information for apparel goods. For the first time using the presently described system, consumer buying behaviour can now include fit.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart that describes a process of analyzing the fit data according to one embodiment. In step 700, data collection is performed. When a garment is purchased, a copy of the related consumer drape 1102 of 3D virtual garment or e-garment 183 is stored in virtual closet 290. Fit data 1104, user reviews 1106, rendered media 1108, and consumer avatar 171 may also be stored as part of the user profile 190 on ASP 100. All this information together can be gathered together, in step 700, for a single user, or together, as in step 702.

Then, in one embodiment, in step 704, the data can be mined to find trends in buying behaviour, trends in consumer drapes from one garment to another, and or trends in body shapes with particular garments or particular retailers. For example, but not way of limitation, stretch factor calculations for relevant points of measure calculated for the virtual garment or e-garment 183 could be analyzed across multiple garments for a single user, or multiple users.

Moreover, in step 704, trends in stretch factor, or other fit data may be correlated with demographics, retailer's, fit model's, sizes, fabric types, revealing valuable information. For example, but not by way of limitation, such analysis may reveal that a consumer fits better with a certain set of brands, then with another set of brands. Such information becomes useful in step 706. Moreover, such correlations may be easily recognized by those skilled in the art given the data the present system makes available, since brands often have fit models with distinctively different body shapes.

In step 706, the trends discovered in step 704 may be used to better predict the outcome of fits with virtual garments or e-garments in system 10 and can be used as size prediction algorithm 908. Furthermore, fit may be a very subjective personal choice for consumers. For instance, two people of very similar body types may have dramatically different viewpoints on fit, where one person may prefer a tighter fit, or a size larger than the other. Therefore, by studying how variables that measure stretch across multiple garments for groups of similar bodies, and discovering trends, those trends may now be applied to predict other garments that may fit a user.

In step 708, a product recommendation engine is built to interpret predicted garments in step 706 and then suggest those garments to the user in ASP 100.

Finally, data collected can be used directly to make custom patterns and therefore custom garments for the consumer. The data may be used to develop block patterns, or customize the patterns of garments available by the retailer. Custom 3D garments and patterns may be sent to the retailer based on the analysis.

Fit Analysis for Retailers

Conversely, consumer drape 1102, fit data 1104, user reviews 1106, and rendered media 1108 may all contain extremely valuable information not only for aiding consumers in buying clothing online, but also for apparel manufacturers and retailers. Retailers can use such information to better understand their target market, make necessary adjustments to product development, distribution, production, merchandising, and other key decisions in supply chain and sales processes referred to above. Currently, retailers have no immediate perceivable method of determining how a garment truly fits on each of their customers. Often times, retailers depend on statistical studies to determine the body shape(s) of their target market. Moreover, they rely on third-party research organizations that study body shapes in certain populations. However, the shapes of human bodies are difficult to standardize and are constantly changing. In consequence, most retailers fall short in reaching the broad target market they were designing for.

With reference to FIG. 25, a flow diagram illustrates steps to relate fit data and how retailers may interpret such relations. In step 740, data collection is performed. For example, the following data may be collected after each fit is performed on a consumer: (1) number of fits a consumer has in a set period of time; (2) percentage of fits that results in a sale; (3) number of times of consumer try's on a specific garment; (4) the average stretch factor for each fit; and (5) each consumer's fit history and measurement chart. In step 742, a data analysis may be performed on this data. This data can be used to determine which garments are fitting which body types. Correlations between body measurements, or sets of body measurements and purchases can be determined. Such correlations can be used to predict the probability that a certain consumer, based on their body shape, will or will not buy a specific garment. Additionally, a point-to-fit analysis may give retailers access to measure in real-time the fitting process with each of its site's visitors. Such information can be used to determine how garments are performing in the virtual fitting room. Furthermore, those results can help retailers determine if changes to the construction of the garment may or may not increase sales. In another embodiment, retailers may access consumer drape 1102 and derive their own fit data from the actual draped virtual fabric. Furthermore, retailers may compare these drapes with fit model drape

In step 744, a web interface, may be made available to retailers. By logging on, retailers may have access to daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly statistics on user data, which can be manipulated and searched.

3D Body Scanning Using Range Camera and Augmented Reality

Range Cameras may include, for example, the Microsoft 3D Kinect device. With reference to FIG. 26, a diagram illustrates a prior art range camera device 2600 that could be used in one embodiment. A range camera device 2600 of this type may include, for example, a small shoebox sized attachment used for motion capture for video game consoles, or the like. This type of range camera device 2600 may include an infrared (IR) light emitter 2602 that emits structured infrared light, a red-green-blue (RBG) camera 2606, and a CMOS IR sensor 2604 for reading reflected IR light. The RBG camera 2606 is used to take visual images, whereas the IR emitter 2602 and CMOS sensor 2604 are used in conjunction to measure depth of objects within the field of view.

In one embodiment, the system described herein may use the depth images attained by the CMOS sensor 2604 to create a 3D model of a subject or object within the field of view. Further, a process of capturing depth images of a human subject and creating a 3D model or avatar of the subject may be performed by one embodiment.

With reference to FIG. 27, a flow diagram illustrates steps that may be performed in one embodiment for scanning consumer body 22 using range camera device 2600. In step 2700, a set of computer instructions, which is written and available from OpenNI™, may be used to capture one of several depth images by sampling consumer body 22 in an interval of time and in a fixed position in space with respect to the range camera device 2600. OpenNI™ is middleware that is part of the free software development kit (SDK) provided by PrimeSense, located at 28 Habarzel St. 4th floor, Tel-Aviv, Israel, 69710.

Each depth image may contain the depth or distance to the body, as well as the xy position of each part of their body, also called 3D position data.

In step 2701, a library routine of OpenNI™ may be called to calculate actual 3D points from the captured depth images from step 2700. In step 2702, consumer body 22 may next be rotated or rotate to a secondary position, by way of example, and not by way of limitation, 90 degrees.

Next, in step 2704, a second series of one or more images may be captured in a second interval of time. In step 2705, the library routine of OpenNI™ may be called to calculate actual 3D points from the captured depth images from step 2704.

The process is repeated until the subject has rotated 360 degrees, as indicated by decision diamond 2706. The result is a series of 3D points, one set for each capture of images at a rotation stop point as described above.

In step 2708, each set of 3D points corresponding to a rotation of the consumer body 22 is rotated and translated such that they all are able to fit together to form a final set of 3D points to represent the entire consumer body 22. This final set of 3D points are stored in step 2710.

Next, in step 2712, measurements may be extracted. This may be performed various convex-hull algorithms, for example, the Graham scan algorithm or the Andrews monotone convex-hull algorithm.

In step 2714, a 3D mesh is created from the 3D points. This can be performed by various methods that are commonly used to convert 3D points to a 3D mesh. For example, ball pivoting algorithms, Poisson surface reconstruction, or the like, may be used for this step.

In step 2716, the mesh may be converted into 3D consumer avatar 171 as described above. For example, the mesh could be rigged, skinned, and have a texture applied so that it could be animated and customized to look like the consumer body 22. In step 2722, the consumer 22 could then use this consumer avatar 171 for an online fitting room as described above. As described above, clothing could be modelled as a 3D mesh, as in the case with digital patterns, and then using the cloth simulation algorithms described above, clothing may be simulated on the avatar in 3D, allowing for the consumer 171 to view in real-time how a garment will look and fit their own body.

In some embodiments, another sensor could be put behind the consumer 22, or several at different angles. However, to keep hardware cost down and to make the system more practical for in-home use, consumer 22 may alternatively be asked to rotate their body to capture their body from multiple angles as described above.

In step 2714, the corrections in change of posture may be made by using a pose tracker library by OpenNI. The OpenNI library contains functions for tracking poses by assigning a skeleton to the consumer body 22. For example, if the arm position has changed from the first series of images, to the next series of images after the body was rotated, then using the pose tracker, the new position of the arm can be used to translate the 3D points associated with the arm to the old position of the arm in 3D space, thereby, correcting for movement by the user.

Alternatively, the consumer avatar 171 could also be drawn on a monitor or flat-panel display connected to a computer or gaming system, and then be synced with the consumer's movements, such that the consumer could control its movements.

Using a technique known as augmented reality, one skilled in the art of augmented reality systems would recognize that 3D graphics could be displayed on a live video stream from RGB camera 2606. Those 3D graphics could be consumer avatar 171.

3D virtual garment or e-garment 183 draped on consumer avatar 171 could also be displayed using augmented reality and dynamically draped using GPU cloth simulation. In this respect, 3D virtual garment or e-garment 183 may be simulated with animation in real time on consumer avatar 171 no matter what position or posture consumer avatar 171 takes in real time.

Moreover, consumer avatar 171 could be hidden from view such that it would appear to the consumer 22 that the 3D virtual garment or e-garment 183 were actually on consumer body 22 as they see it in real time on the monitor.

For example, consumer body 22 may change poster wherein the arm may change position in 3D space, using the pose tracking algorithm developed in OpenNI™, consumer avatar 171 may adjust its position to match the new position of consumer body 22. Since the consumer avatar 171 hidden, this will thus cause 3D virtual garment or e-garment 183 to re-simulate using the cloth simulation algorithm resulting in a new drape consistent with consumer body 22's new posture.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the claimed invention without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

Online Garment Design and Collaboration

With reference to FIG. 28, a network diagram illustrates the flow of data between designers, vendors, buyers, and manufactures for facilitating design and exchange of samples and comments, and acceptance. A cloud storage server 100 provides a central storage and access to all of the parties involved in the system. In one embodiment, the processing of creating pieces to a garment may start with a designer using one or more design applications 5120 on one or more electronic devices, such as a high-end personal computer or workstation.

For example, and not by way of limitation, it is more likely in some embodiments that clothing manufactures 4110 or retailers 4120 would provide specifications for the apparel that may or may not include a digital or paper pattern.

From the digital pattern production sample garment, technical pack, grading rules, fit model scan data or body measurements, digital pattern pieces are created, or converted from a digital pattern, using the apparel product development software 4120. Generally, a pattern refers to the collection of the individual pieces of the garment. In standard practice, the pattern pieces are drafted first, then laid over fabric, which is then cut around the perimeter of each piece. The resulting pieces of fabric are then sewn (virtually) together to form the finished digital garment. Therefore, the pattern refers to a blueprint of the garment and its individual pieces. However, in one embodiment, all of the steps are done digitally.

Indeed, there are several cases in which a digital pattern is received, made, or modified from the above-referenced information received from the retailer. In one embodiment, part of the apparel product development software 4120 may include a software program named TUKACAD running on product development workstation in the 3D virtual apparel processing system, which may be used to create or reformat the digital pattern. TUKACAD is widely used CAD software for digital pattern making, digitizing, grading, and marker making in the apparel industry, and is available from TUKATech, Inc. of Los Angeles, Calif., www.tukatech.com. TUKACAD creates points and interpolates splines between points to create a 2D shape or CAD drawing. Additionally, the digital pattern can be graded in TUKACAD to create larger or smaller sizes. Those skilled in the art would recognize that a variety of CAD software programs may be used to perform the functions carried out by TUKACAD, but TUKACAD has features that those of skill in the art recognize as unique.

As noted above, there are several cases regarding the kind of information that is received from a retailer regarding a production sample garment from which the digital pattern pieces are created in TUKACAD. Retailers may provide or utilize a widely used technical pack with specifications for how the style is to be made and/or may provide or use a production sample garment for reference. These instructions are then interpreted in the software 4120 to create a digital pattern.

For use of a paper pattern for corresponding to production sample garment pieces, the paper pattern may then be digitized or scanned into TUKACAD software using digitizer or pattern scanner. As the paper pattern is being digitized, TUKACAD software draws the pattern in digital form resulting in a digital pattern made of digital pattern pieces.

In another case, the retailer may have a digital pattern in a third-party format. The digital pattern may then be converted into the format that can be read by the apparel product development software 4120 using built-in conversion tools in TUKACAD Software.

In one embodiment, the development software 4120 named E-FIT SIMULATOR, also called E-FIT herein, is used as the computer model. E-FIT SIMULATOR is commercially available from TUKAtech, Inc. of Los Angeles, Calif., www.tukatech.com, and is built using 3DS MAX's SDK. E-FIT, in one embodiment, incorporates cloth simulation plug-in software, CLOTHFX, which is manufactured by Size 8 Software, and is readily available from TurboSquid, Inc. of New Orleans, La., www.turbosquid.com. E-FIT may be used in conjunction with the aforementioned CLOTHFX software to create 3D virtual apparel, including draping on a virtual model and simulating animation in a 3D environment as described below. This combination of software is currently used commonly by designers and engineers for rapid prototyping of apparel design and development.

Once the garment part is completed, it may be uploaded to the cloud storage 4100 for storage in the database of garment parts. The online storage allows for instant access to the rest of the stakeholders in the system, including administrative staff, who may be with, for example, the garment manufacturer 4120 and/or sewers who may be, for example, also employed by the manufacturer 4120. Instead of having to receive digital or physical files, the stakeholders merely need to access the garment part stored in the cloud storage 100, for example, through a secure connection over the internet. This method saves time, and provides for a central location for garment part access.

Once the part is approved, the garment part is marked as publicly viewable and purchasable via an ecommerce system 4150. The ecommerce system may be accessed by any entity who is in the business of purchasing garment parts for digitally stitching with other garment parts to create whole digital garments.

With reference to FIG. 29, the cloud storage system 4100 having a database of available garment parts, textures, patterns, and colors that are available for designing, assembling, and creating garments is shown. In one embodiment, each of the garment parts, textures, patterns, and colors are stored in a garment part table 4250 in the database 4100. These parts were may have been created and stored in the part table 4250 by creators and copyright holders of those parts, textures, patterns, and colors. They may each be subscribed to, paid for, and utilized by the entities in FIG. 1 to build garments. Then the samples may be exchanged and commented on by the various entities from design to production.

In one embodiment, each database record 4252 in table 4250 may have fields for a part identifier (ID), part type, part description, and object code representing graphic, technical, and metadata for the garment part for that record. Designers may either upload parts to the database, or purchase and download parts to make garments. The garments created using the parts from table 250 may also be stored as full garments in a garment database 4254. The parts may be purchased using the ecommerce system 4150 in communication with the cloud storage system 100. The designer may get parts of garments from the cloud storage 4100 (or third party garment parts storage, or historic data), mix and match, attach, and then, use the parts to create a new design.

In one embodiment, the administrative staff of manufacturers or other entities may then login through either the cloud storage system 4100 or the ecommerce system 4150 to approve garments pieced together by the designers. The garment dataset 4254 may, by way of example, contain records 256, wherein each record has a garment ID, admin approval field, the object code for the garment comprising graphic, technical, and metadata for the stitched together pieces, and a price or suggested price for purchase of the garment through the ecommerce system 150.

After creation of the garment, the designer may then send the virtual garment or e-garment he or she designed to the cloud storage system 4100 for download by the manufacturer 4120, or directly to the manufacturer 4120 so that the manufacturer 4120 may use the design to create a virtual sample for approval and trying on virtual garments or e-garments of different sizes on virtual fit models created using a fitting application (4180 in FIG. 1). An example of a fitting application 4180 is described in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/159,401.

Other tables in the cloud storage system 4100 may include, for example, a user database 4260, that may contain records 4262 relating to user information. For example, each record 4262 may include a user identifier (ID), and the type of user for the record (e.g. designer, retainer, buyer, manufacturer).

Another retailer table 4270 may contain records 4272 for keeping track of the garments in the garment table 254 that are available for sale by each retailer. Each record 4272 in the retainer table 4270 may contain the retainer's user ID and one or more garments that are for sale in the garment table 4254.

Finally, a buyer table 4280 may keep track of garments purchased by each buyer using the ecommerce system. Each record 4282 of the buyer table 4280 may contain, for example, the user ID for each buyer, and the garment ID for each garment in table 4254 purchased by the buyer.

The sample approval process may go back and forth. Once ready production, all sizes of the virtual garment or e-garment may be uploaded to the cloud system 4100 or the brand's website to facilitate ecommerce transactions. The ecommerce customer may then create an avatar using the online fitting application 4180, and try on the virtual garment or e-garment from the ecommerce site or the cloud. An example of such a virtual trial system is disclosed in U.S. Pending patent application Ser. No. 13/159,401, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

With reference to FIG. 30 a flow diagram illustrates steps performed on a processor for creating a virtual garment or e-garment from virtual parts in the system. In step 4400, a designer may use the developer software 4100 to create a garment part. In some embodiments, the garment part is stored in table 4250, but not published for purchase until approval. In step 4402, an administrative staff member may approve the publishing of the garment from database 4250 for sale or use by designers to create a garment, step 4404.

With reference to FIG. 31, a flow diagram illustrates the steps performed by the system for allowing a designer to create a design from garment parts. In step 4450, a designer may browse the parts from the table 4250, or other third party parts, for use in creating a garment. In step 4452, the designer may select a part to include in the garment. In step 4454, the system determines whether the part selected is one for which the designer must pay (either on a per-part bases or as part of a designer's subscription). If so, the ecommerce system 4150 completes the payment procedure in step 4455.

Next, in step 4458, if the currently selected part is not the first part selected for the garment, the system determines whether the part selected is scaled correctly for the garment being built. If not, then in step 4460, the selected part is scaled to fit the garment under construction. In step 462, the selected part is fitted to the garment under construction.

If the selected part that was fitted is not the last part (step 4464), then processing moves back to step 4450 to allow the designer to choose another part for the garment. Otherwise, after the last part, then in step 466, the finished garment may be stored in the database table 4254 to wait for approval by admin before publishing for purchase through the ecommerce system 4150.

With reference to FIG. 32, a sample screen presented by the development software 4120 for creating a garment is shown. The designer may drag and drop garment parts from the right side of the screen onto the garment being built on the right side of the screen.

With reference to FIG. 33, a sample screen presented by the development software 4120 for adding patterns to the garment is shown. The designer may drag and drop garment patterns from the right side of the screen onto one or more parts of the garment to add the selected pattern to the garment.

With reference to FIG. 34, a sample screen presented by the development software 4120 for scaling patterns for the garment is shown. The development software 4120 allows the user to drag to resize the patterns for the garment.

With reference to FIG. 35 a screen shot of available garments is shown according to an alternative embodiment of the fitting room;

FIG. 36 is a screen shot of a product detail screen according to the embodiment of the fitting room of FIG. 35.

FIG. 37 is a screen shot of a three-product illustration screen according to the embodiment of the fitting room of FIG. 35.

FIG. 38 is a screen shot of a selected garment illustration screen according to the embodiment of the fitting room of FIG. 35.

FIG. 39 is a screen shot of a garment fitting screen according to the embodiment of the fitting room of FIG. 35. Note that slider bars on the fitting screen allow the user to adjust each measurement to adjust sizing and fit of the illustrated garment.

FIG. 40 is a screen shot of the garment fitting screen of FIG. 39 with the garment placed on a user's avatar.

FIG. 41 is the screen of FIG. 40 with the body rotated showing the fit of the garment on the avatar form a different angle.

FIG. 42 is the screen of FIG. 41 with the body further rotated showing the fit of the garment on the avatar form a different angle.

Three dimensional garments are loaded to the ecommerce site database. As described above, these garments are created from real patterns with correct fabric properties and accurate textures. They are virtual garments in all sizes.

Upon deciding to purchase, the user may click on the link below the garment, which takes the user back to the ecommerce site to purchase. Upon purchase, the purchaser can decide to save this 3d virtual garment in their virtual closet. The actual purchased garment is shipped to the purchaser by the ecommerce vendor.

As described above, the user with an account can save their avatar so that he/she does not have to be scanned or customize it every time. However, in some embodiments, no account is needed to simply try on and decide upon the fit and purchase for a garment. With an account, however, the user can try on garments from different ecommerce stores using the same fitting room.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the claimed invention without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A server system for facilitating garment creation and try-on, comprising: a processor and storage device configured to receive and store designed digital garment parts for selection and inclusion into a digital garment; a designer interface accessible over a network configured to select and place two or more of the digital garment parts together to form a digital garment to store in the storage device; an online purchase system configured to access the storage device to select and purchase the digital garment from a plurality of available digital garments; an infrared camera comprising an infrared light emitter that emits infrared light and at least an infrared sensor that reads reflected infrared light; a first set of computer instructions executable on the processor capable causing the infrared emitter to illuminate the surface of the body with infrared light and to cause the infrared sensor to capture the infrared light reflected off the surface of the body; a second set of computer instructions executable on the processor capable of capturing and storing the reflected infrared light in at least a first depth image of a surface of a body from at least a first point of view while the body is in a pose and at least a second depth image of the outer surface of the body from at least a second point of view while the body remains in the same pose; a third set of computer instructions executable on the processor capable of calculating a first set of three dimensional points from the first depth image and a second set of three dimensional points from the second depth image; a fourth set of computer instructions executable on the processor capable of applying rotational and translational matrix transformations on the first set of three dimensional points to align said first set of three dimensional points with the second set of three dimensional points and then calculating and storing a square of the sum of the differences between the first set of three dimensional points with the second set of three dimensional points as an error; a fifth set of computer instructions executable on the processor capable of reconstructing the surface of the body by minimizing an error between the first and second set of three dimensional points by repeatedly making iterative and small changes to the matrix transformations and then re-calculating the error until the error is minimized; a sixth set of computer instructions executable on the processor capable of applying poisson surface reconstruction to construct a mesh; a seventh set of computer instructions executable on the processor capable of rigging the mesh with a biped bone structure, scaled and sized to appropriately fit the mesh; an eighth set of computer instructions executable on the processor capable of utilizing the bone structure from within the mesh to identify one or more anthropometric points of measure; a ninth set of computer instructions executable on the processor capable of extracting anthropometric body circumferences by calculating the convex hull associated with points around a specific region of the body's surface; and a tenth set of computer instructions executable on the processor capable of creating an avatar from the mesh capable of display to a user on the online purchase system; and an online virtual fitting room capable of displaying the available digital garments on the avatar.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured for operation in one or more locations selected from the group consisting of: a home, a commercial kiosk, a retrofitted store fitting room, a gaming machine establishment, and a karaoke room.
 3. The server system of claim 1, wherein at least one or more of the digital garment parts are capable of being designed using the designer interface.
 4. The server system of claim 1, wherein the server system is capable of receiving at least one or more of the digital garment parts by upload from a third-party design system.
 5. The server system of claim 1, further including an interface for providing approval for the digital garment for manufacture or sale.
 6. The sever system of claim 1, wherein online purchase system is further configured to provide designers with the ability to purchase the digital garment parts to include in the digital garment.
 7. The server system of claim 5, wherein the online purchase system is of a type selected from the group consisting of: a pay-per-part system or a subscription system.
 8. A method for facilitating garment creation, comprising: receiving and storing designed digital garment parts for selection and inclusion into a digital garment; selecting and placing two or more of the digital garment parts together to form a digital garment to store in the storage device; and providing an online purchase system configured to access the storage device to select and purchase the digital garment from a plurality of available digital garments. providing an infrared camera comprising an infrared light emitter that emits infrared light and at least an infrared sensor that reads reflected infrared light; causing the infrared emitter to illuminate the surface of the body with infrared light and to cause the infrared sensor to capture the infrared light reflected off the surface of the body; capturing and storing the reflected infrared light in at least a first depth image of a surface of a body from at least a first point of view while the body is in a pose and at least a second depth image of the outer surface of the body from at least a second point of view while the body remains in the same pose; calculating a first set of three dimensional points from the first depth image and a second set of three dimensional points from the second depth image; applying rotational and translational matrix transformations on the first set of three dimensional points to align said first set of three dimensional points with the second set of three dimensional points and then calculating and storing a square of the sum of the differences between the first set of three dimensional points with the second set of three dimensional points as an error; reconstructing the surface of the body by minimizing an error between the first and second set of three dimensional points by repeatedly making iterative and small changes to the matrix transformations and then re-calculating the error until the error is minimized; applying poisson surface reconstruction to construct a mesh; rigging the mesh with a biped bone structure, scaled and sized to appropriately fit the mesh; utilizing the bone structure from within the mesh to identify one or more anthropometric points of measure; extracting anthropometric body circumferences by calculating the convex hull associated with points around a specific region of the body's surface; and creating an avatar from the mesh capable of display to a user on the online purchase system; and providing an online virtual fitting room capable of displaying the available digital garments on the avatar.
 9. The method of claim 8, comprising performing each step in one or more locations selected from the group consisting of: a home, a commercial kiosk, a retrofitted store fitting room, a gaming machine establishment, and a karaoke room.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein at least one or more of the digital garment parts are capable of being designed using a designer interface.
 11. The method of claim 8, further comprising receiving at least one or more of the digital garment parts by upload from a third-party design system.
 12. The method of claim 8, further providing approval for the garment for manufacture or sale.
 13. The method of claim 8, further online purchase system is further configured to provide designers with the ability to purchase parts to include in the garment.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the online purchase system is of a type selected from the group consisting of: a pay-per-part system or a subscription system. 